TOKYO (Sputnik) – Komura is expected to arrive in Moscow on Sunday with a four-day visit, leading a delegation of lawyers. During his visit, Komura plans to meet Sergei Naryshkin, the speaker of Russia's lower house, State Duma, to discuss economic cooperation and the ongoing territorial dispute regarding the Kuril Islands.
"Prime Minister [of Japan Shinzo] Abe and President [of Russia Vladimir] Putin agree that it is necessary to continue a dialogue at the highest level… During the visit, I would like to hold informative exchange of views in order to encourage this dialogue,” Komura told RIA Novosti.
The Japanese official also said that he would possibly bring with him a message for Putin from Abe. Komura added that it remains undecided whether he would meet with Putin during his visit to Moscow.
Putin and Abe met on the sidelines of the UN climate talks in Paris in December. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the sides discussed Putin visiting Tokyo. Peskov added that Abe’s visit to Russia was possible prior to the Japan visit of the Russian leader.
Russia and Japan's relations have been strained over the Kuril Islands, which are controlled by Russia, but claimed by Japan.
The relations between two countries deteriorated after Tokyo announced support for certain Western economic sanctions against Russia imposed in 2014 over an alleged Moscow's interference in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the claims.
