TOKYO, (PNA/Itar-Tass) — Russia and Japan will step up cooperation between their ships in the Gulf of Aden, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told a press conference on Saturday after the talks in the “two plus two” format.
“We agree with our Japanese colleagues that it is necessary to coordinate efforts in the fight against international terrorism and piracy. We have proposed to strengthen cooperation between Russian and Japanese ships that are on duty in the African Horn region,” Shoigu said
The Russian and Japanese navies could hold joint exercises in the region to exchange information and provide mutual help, he said. “We believe it is one of the main mechanisms to increase confidence between our countries and our armed forces,” the minister noted.
Shoigu also said the Russian side with interest got acquainted with the Japanese plans to expand the country’s participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations.