BEIJING, November 8 (RIA Novosti) — Russia and Japan have confirmed their intention to continue cooperation in investment despite the sanctions imposed against Russia, Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev said Saturday.
"The minister has supported my offer to create a working group on investments," Ulyukayev said following a meeting with Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry that was held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Beijing.
"As for Japan, we have talked about the fact that the sanctions are negatively influencing our bilateral relations, particularly, the commodities turnover, which reached its historical maximum last year, but which is showing negative dynamics this year. We see this as a direct consequence of sanctions," the minister added.
On Saturday, Ulyukayev also held meetings with his counterparts from a number of countries, including Singapore, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and China.
As the situation in Ukraine continued to deteriorate, Japan followed the lead of the United States, the European Union and other Group of Seven member states that have imposed sanctions against Russia.
The APEC CEO Summit is taking place this weekend in Beijing, China and will be followed by the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) on Monday and Tuesday next week. The two meetings will bring together 21 nations to discuss economic issues as well as joining forces to respond to the Ebola virus epidemic, the situation in Ukraine and other ongoing issues.
