Japanese PM in favor of peace treaty with Russia

TOKYO PM Shinzo Abe has said that Japan sees Russia as an important partner in the Asia-Pacific region, and intends to reach a peace treaty "as soon as possible." The treaty would formally put an end to the Second World War. Japanese PM in favor of peace treaty with Russia In an address to the 186th session of the Japanese parliament in Tokyo on Friday, Abe said that his country wished to resolve territorial issues and reach a peace agreement as soon as possible. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who next addressed MPs, also spoke about improvement of relations between the two countries. "The first official visit to Russia after ten years by Prime Minister Abe has significantly improved relations and indicated the direction of further steps. We wish to develop cooperation in various areas, starting with a political dialogue and contacts on the highest levels," said the minister. Since his visit to Moscow in April, Abe met four times with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while another meeting is planned during the Winter Olympics in Sochi. (Beta/AP, file) Tanjug

Japanese PM in favor of peace treaty with Russia

In an address to the 186th session of the Japanese parliament in Tokyo on Friday, Abe said that his country wished to resolve territorial issues and reach a peace agreement as soon as possible.

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who next addressed MPs, also spoke about improvement of relations between the two countries.

"The first official visit to Russia after ten years by Prime Minister Abe has significantly improved relations and indicated the direction of further steps. We wish to develop cooperation in various areas, starting with a political dialogue and contacts on the highest levels," said the minister.

Since his visit to Moscow in April, Abe met four times with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while another meeting is planned during the Winter Olympics in Sochi.