Abe Says Planning To Closely Address Peace Treaty Issue At Talks With Putin

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday that he intended to properly discuss the peace treaty issue at talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd January, 2019) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday that he intended to properly discuss the peace treaty issue at talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I would like to properly discuss today the peace treaty issue, taking into account the results of the meeting of foreign ministers and negotiators this week. In addition, I look forward to a frank exchange of views on bilateral relations and international problems," the Japanese prime minister said.

He added that bilateral cooperation had been bearing good results.

"I am happy to note that our bilateral cooperation is bringing substantial results within the framework of the eight-point cooperation plan, the Japanese-Russian cross-cultural year and others," Abe said.

The Russian leader thanked Abe for paying a visit to Russia before attending the World Economic Forum in the Swiss city of Davos.

"It is very pleasant that our meetings have become regular, which allows us to discuss issues related to bilateral relations and the situation in the region," Putin said.

The Russian-Japanese relations have long been complicated by the fact that the two nations never signed a permanent peace treaty after the end of World War II. The deal was never reached because of a disagreement over a group of four islands � Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai � that are claimed by both countries. They are collectively referred to as the Southern Kurils by Russia and the Northern Territories by Japan.

On November 14, Putin and Abe agreed at a meeting in Singapore to enhance talks on a peace treaty's conclusion based on the 1956 Soviet-Japanese joint declaration, the only document recognized by both countries. The declaration stipulates, among other things, that Japan will regain control over Habomai and Shikotan islets following the conclusion of the peace treaty with Russia.