(VOVworld) – Regional security and territorial disputes were high on the agenda of a meeting between foreign and defense ministers from Japan and Russia in Tokyo on Monday. The meeting was in the framework of the “two-plus-two” security dialogue which has been suspended for 3 years.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) reviews an honor guard with his Japanese counterpart Tomomi Inada upon arrival at Defense Ministry in Tokyo, March 20, 2017 (Photo:AP)

Japanese officials are expected to foster relations with Russia as the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing complicated developments including North Korea’s nuclear threat, the deployment of the US’s  Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system in South Korea, and China’s assertiveness in the East Sea.

The “two-plus-two” security dialogue will also focus on maritime security and cooperation to fight terrorism, copyright infringement, and drug trafficking.