Japan-Russia Relations

In this Japan-Russia summit meeting, frank and wide-ranging discussions were held in an close atmosphere regarding the future of the Japan-Russia relationship including the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty.
The leaders shared the common understanding on the following points.
(1) Seek progress in the negotiations regarding the territorial issue to create a solution acceptable to both sides.
(2) Continue dialogue between the two leaders by holding summit meetings, utilizing the occasions of G20 and APEC meetings.
(3) Continue to look for the best timing for President Putin’s visit to Japan based on the common understanding reached between the two leaders on the occasion of the APEC meeting last November. The situations in Ukraine and Syria were also discussed.

President Putin stated that there had been progress in Japan-Russia relations recently and opportunities for contacts between the two countries had been increasing in many areas, and that although there was a declining trend in the trade volume, there was potential for improving the relationship between Japan and Russia, and pointed to various areas of bilateral cooperation. He also expressed his appreciation of the Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers Meeting and the Japan-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues held last week on the occasion of Minister Kishida’s visit to Russia, and reconfirmed that the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty would be held on October 8.
Prime Minister Abe stated that his desire to achieve President Putin’s visit to Japan at the best timing remained unchanged. He explained that he would like to prepare results for President Putin’s visit to Japan in the political area centering on the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty and in economic and other areas, which should be moved forward in a constructive and quiet environment. He also stated that Minister Kishida had visited Russia last week and conducted a review of the Japan-Russia economic relationship at the Japan-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues with First Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov and held detailed discussions with Foreign Minister Lavrov regarding the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty, specifically the territorial issue, and reached a common understanding to conduct negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty at the vice minister level on October 8. Prime Minister Abe also stated that it was necessary to make progress in the negotiations for the conclusion of a peace treaty on the basis of the agreement between the two leaders in April 2013.

Prime Minister Abe expressed his desire to conduct a frank exchange of opinions including the issue of the conclusion of a peace treaty, utilizing opportunities at international meetings such as the G20 and APEC in November.

Prime Minister Abe stated with regard to the situation in Eastern Ukraine that the ceasefire agreement had been maintained for the most part since September 1 and that he hopes that results would be achieved at the October 2 summit under the Normandy format, and expressed his strong hope that Russia would continue to play a constructive role towards the full implementation of the Minsk Agreements.
President Putin stated that the Ukrainian side must also firmly comply with the Minsk Agreements, and asked Prime Minister Abe to convey that point to President Poroshenko at the meeting to be held later.