Japan’s FM Hopes to Discuss Resumption of Talks on Peace Treaty With Russia

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, who left Japan for Russia on Sunday and is expected to meet with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, hopes to talk over possible ways to resume peace talks with Moscow.

TOKYO (Sputnik) – Japan and Russia never signed a permanent peace treaty following the end of World War II.

"Negotiations with Lavrov will be the first ones in a year and seven months… Despite the fact that I expect difficult negotiations, I hope to find a way for the resumption of dialogue on peace agreement," Japanese NHK broadcaster quoted Kishida as saying ahead of his visit.

The Japanese foreign minister also stressed that he would like his trip to pave the way for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Japan within the year.

The meeting between Kishida and his Russian counterpart is scheduled for Monday, September 21. The following day, he will also participate as co-chair in the XI session of the Russian-Japanese Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues.

Kishida had initially planned to visit Moscow in April 2014, however the date was adjourned due to increased tensions caused by Japanese sanctions against Russia over the Ukrainian conflict.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has expressed hope that the talks in Moscow will improve bilateral relations.