Japan, Russia discuss economic

Japan's Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday will explore ways of enhancing bilateral economic ties, amid no signs of a breakthrough in resolving a territorial dispute dating back to the end of World War II, Kyodo news reported . The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral ties between the two countries, Iran''s nuclear program and the transition of power in North Korea following the death of longtime ruler Kim Jong Il, according to the Japanese news agency. ''''We are hoping to build appropriate ties for our partnership in Asia-Pacific,'''' Gemba told reporters today. (QNA) E V/f l