The Japanese government is to provide financial assistance for a joint helium-production project, says newspaper The Daily Yomiuri.
Analysts say opening of LNG facility in Queensland with exports to China could affect Yamal as Pacific countries look to take on Russia in Asia.
One proposal would allow influx of foreign workers, bypassing existing labour quotas.
Japanese companies consider investment in railway extension via islands of Sakhalin and Hokkaido.
Session seen as a significant step towards improving economic prospects for vast priority region including eastern Siberia.
'We're Russian Koreans,' comes the reply.
Russian president warns that 'the work is going slowly' and calls for progress.