Japan, Russia to hold high-level talks
Tokyo, February 2 (AZERTAC). Japan and Russia have agreed to hold high-level talks next week to discuss Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s planned visit to Russia.
They are also expected to agree that relevant nations must coordinate to dissuade North Korea from conducting its third nuclear test.
Abe spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone right after he took office in December.
They agreed to step up working-level talks to resolve the territorial sovereignty issue over 4 Russian-held islands claimed by Japan with an eye to concluding a peace treaty. The islands are situated off Japan`s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.
The leaders also affirmed that arrangements will be made for Abe to travel to Russia this year for a summit meeting with Putin.
Against this backdrop, the governments agreed to hold strategic dialogue between Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Chikao Kawai and Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Denisov on Monday.
The meeting will lay the groundwork for Abe`s visit to Russia. The Japanese side is likely to assert its claim to the 4 islands and its desire to sign a peace treaty with Russia.
The 2 sides will also discuss North Korea`s expected nuclear test as Russia has some influence on the country. They are expected to agree that they will urge North Korea not to carry out a nuclear test.
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