MOSCOW. Jan 10 (Interfax) - Unresolved territorial disputes in Asia are likely to become a major subject during the upcoming session of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) in Vladivostok at the end of January, head of the center for Japanese studies at the Institute of the Far East Valery Kistanov believes.
"We are speaking primarily of the dispute between China and Japan over the Senkaku Islands and the dispute between South Korea and Japan over the Takeshima Islands. Now the matters have been aggravated and parliamentarians from Asia Pacific countries in the framework of APPF could work out ways for a practical solution," Kistanov said as quoted by the press service of the Federation Council on Wednesday.
The expert said that there is no clear collective structure that would deal with security issues in the Asia Pacific region comparable to the OSCE in Europe. "APPF could become such a mechanism for guaranteeing stability and security. It is difficult to overestimate the role of the organization today. And Russia plays a leading role in the structure. Russia's turn to the East is apparent: Russia is a Eurasian, Pacific nation," Kistanov said.
He said that the situation in the region allows Russia to feel quite comfortable. "With the rise to power of Shinzo Abe, who already was prime minister of Japan and cooperated successfully with President Vladimir Putin, it only improves," the expert said.
He also pointed out to the role of the Federation Council as a key organizer of the forum in Russia. "Its role will only grow, if Russian senators propose constructive solutions to the settlement of territorial disputes in the Asia Pacific region," Kistanov said.
The 21st session of APPF will be held in Vladivostok on January 27-31.
APPF is an international parliamentary organization. Its aims are to advance cooperation in the interests of safeguarding peace and stability in Asia Pacific region, promote trade and investment, the establishment of regional engagement in such spheres as environmental protection, to resist crime and terrorism and intensify cultural and educational exchanges.