TOKYO, November 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia is interested in developing energy cooperation with member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation organization, including Japan, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday.
Putin, on an official visit to Japan, said in summing up the results of the recent APEC summit that the energy sphere takes first place in Russia's cooperation with APEC.
The president said that the issue would be a focus at talks in Japan.
APEC members' confirmation of their readiness to cooperate in Asia was very significant, he said. "This is important for Russia, considering its plans to develop its Far Eastern and Siberian regions."
Putin also encouraged APEC member states to discuss cooperation in high-tech areas, including space and nuclear energy.
He also expressed his support for the discussions at the APEC summit on the principles of freedom in economic relations and trade. "This is especially important for Russia in the context of its talks to join the World Trade Organization," Putin said.
