TOKYO (Sputnik) — Japan seeks to improve relations with Russia along with other neighboring countries, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Friday.
"I will put more effort into enhancing our relationship with neighboring states, including China, the Republic of Korea and Russia," Abe said at a press conference.
Japan and Russia have not signed a permanent peace treaty following the end of World War II.
Moscow and Tokyo are currently discussing a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan previously delayed due to diplomatic disagreements.
On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Putin had accepted the invitation of the Japanese leadership to set up a date for a visit in the near future.
