Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Wednesday he wanted to pay a visit to Russia as soon as possible.
“I would like to visit Russia as early as possible this year,” Abe said during debates in the budgetary commission of the Japanese parliament’s lower chamber.
He reiterated that for the first time ever Russia and Japan will carry out joint economic activities at Russia’s four Kuril Islands, disputed by Tokyo.
“Due to this activity we will be able to strengthen mutual understanding and trust, and it will be a great advantage in our path toward signing a peace treaty,” the prime minister said.