Russia for post-war treaty of peace with Japan
Russian President Putin conveyed to Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda that Russia supports bilateral diplomacy towards a post-war treaty of peace with Japan. He said bridging differences between the sides has borne fruit, including a fivefold growth in trade since 2003 and greater Japanese investment in Russia.
Mr Fukuda sought Russian help in hosting the next summit of the G-8 on Hokkaido in July.
Both agreed to accelerate negotiations on the territorial dispute over four Russian-administered islands off Hokkaido. These are Kunashiri, Etorofu, Shikotan and Habomai islets, known as the northern territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia.
