Abe and Putin are planning to meet during the G20 summit. (Image via Nikkei)

Putin, Abe to meet in Osaka on June 29

TOKYO – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Rusiaan President, Vladimir Putin will meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on June 29, during the G20 meeting. The senior officials as well as political leaders from Japan and Russia have held talks in recent months. The talks will discuss about the solutions to end a decades-old territorial dispute and conclude a peace.

 After his meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Taro Kono, Lavrov discussed about the meeting with the reporters. He stated that Russia-Japan relations will be discussed during the meeting during the G20 summit period in Osaka. Lavrov also said that the talk with Japan about the five joint economic activity projects on the island were in a good pace, which means a good sign for both countries.

The western Pacific islands are controlled by Russia. However, Japan claims the islands as well, because it is include inside the territory. The islands are called Northern Territories in Japan and Southern Kuriles in Russia. The islands were seized by Soviet troops back at the end of World War II, and it has upsets the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In 2016, Abe and Putin agreed to hold talks which will discuss about the economic activities on the island. It will be a step to conclude a peace treaty.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/politics/Putin-Abe-to-meet-in-Osaka-on-June-29