The 1st meeting of the Commission was held between Foreign Minister Ikeda and First Deputy Prime Minister Soskovets in March 1996. They adopted the Join Report prepared by the three Sub-Commissions which includes concrete proposals for enhancing the econ omic relations between the two countries. At the meeting of the Commission, Japan also confirmed its policy of attaching importance to strengthening relations with Russia's Far Eastern region. Discussions are already underway on a number of projects in the region, such as development and product ion of oil and natural gas on the Sakhalin continental shelf and Far Eastern forestry resources development. The outcome of reforms in Russia toward democratization, a market-oriented economy, and foreign policy based on law and justice will have tremendous significance for the countries of the former Soviet Union and indeed the entire world.
Japan also provide s appropriate assistance to Russia's reform in coordination with other countries.
Technical Assistance Japan Centers were opened in Autumn 1994 at the Plekhanov Economic Academy in Moscow and in Khabarovsk. Japanese instructors pass on Japanese experience and skills in such areas as Japanese-style management, privatization of industry and Japanese lan guage, through a range of courses designed for those involved in the market economy. Two more Japan Centers were set up during FY1995, at Moscow State University and in Vladivostok. Similarly, Japan has been supporting human resources development through personnel exchanges since 1991. During 1994, Japan hosted visits by some 300 representatives from central and local governments, private enterprises and academic institutions in Rus sia, and also sent about 130 Japanese consultants to Russia.