Putin Woos Japan Investors, Promises Pipeline
Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing economic ties with Japan rather than a 60-year-old territorial row, urged Japanese investors on Monday, November 21, 2005, to put more money into Russia's economy and to be more pragmatic in their approach. Speaking ahead of talks with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Putin also said stronger business ties would help overall relations. On the other hand, police were trying to keep the protestors from getting close to the embassy, where security was tight.