TOKYO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 30th May, 2019) Tokyo and Moscow have agreed that the Russian Navy chief would visit Japan in the second half of 2019, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said on Thursday.
Tokyo has hosted the fourth round of talks in the so-called 2+2 format between the foreign and defense ministers of Russia and Japan.
"We have agreed to arrange a visit of the commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy in the second half of 2019," Iwaya told reporters.
Iwaya noted that such a visit would take place for the first time after 18-year hiatus.
The minister also announced that the sides agreed to have joint search and rescue exercises in mid-June in Vladivostok.
"Japan will send the central orchestra of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces to take part in the Spasskaya Tower military tattoo," Iwaya added.
Spasskaya Tower International Military Music Festival will be held from August 23 to September 1 at the very heart of the Russian capital � Red Square.
