TOKYO. Dec 11 (Interfax) - The Russian Defense Ministry is interested in broader naval cooperation with Japan and is ready to work together on an intergovernmental agreement to cooperate in the search for and rescue of wrecked submarines' crews, the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Defense Minister, Gen. of the Army Valery Gerasimov, told the Chief of Staff of the Japan Self-Defense Forces', Adm. Katsutoshi Kawano, at a meeting.
The Russian Defense Ministry attaches great significance to cooperation between the Russian and Japanese navies, Gerasimov said.
"SAREX bilateral search-and-rescue exercises are improving coordination between our fleets and bolstering the joint deterrence of marine threats. Allow me to emphasize our interest in broader naval cooperation," Gerasimov said.
"We are ready to work together on a draft intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the search for and rescue of wrecked submarines' crews," he said.
This document will provide a legal mechanism regulating the search for and rescue of wrecked submarines' crews, which will drastically cut the period of time required for organizing such efforts and increase their efficiency, Gerasimov said.