Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has invited the Japanese national judo team to train in Russia following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11.
"I talked to members of the Russian Judo Federation and proposed inviting the Japanese national team and their families to train together [in Russia]," Putin said at a session dedicated to the situation in Japan.
Putin, who is a black belt and former judo champion in his home city of St. Petersburg, also said that Russia should support its "neighbors and friends in all spheres."
Relief operations are continuing in Japan following a devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami that have killed some 6,000 people and left thousands missing. Aftershocks still continue to rattle the area.
NOVO-OGARYOVO, March 15 (RIA Novosti)
