Russian Security Council Chief Nikolai Patrushev, visiting Japan, on Thursday welcomed the expansion of ties between the two countries.

“President Putin and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda have agreed to expand contacts between various agencies, […] Russia’s Security Council and Japan’s Foreign Ministry held consultations,” Patrushev said.

Russia's ambassador to Japan Yevgeny Afanasyev said that the dialogue between the two countries has received a renewed impetus in recent years.

“The Security Council chief’s visit is a great example of how we are developing cooperation in all areas,” Ambassador Afanasyev said.

Patrushev said that Japan’s Defense Ministry was interested in strengthening contacts with Russia, as evidenced by plans for Russia’s Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov to visit the country.

Patrushev has been in Japan since Monday, and has met with the country’s Foreign Minister, Prime Minister and Defense Minister.