Japan and Russia have never signed a permanent peace treaty after World War II due to a disagreement over four islands, which Russia calls the Southern Kurils and Japan the Northern Territories. The disputed islands, located in the Sea of Okhotsk, were claimed by Soviet forces at the end of the war.
"Creating an enabling environment to address any issues, including the conclusion of the peace treaty is extremely important," Putin told reporters, adding that it was necessary for the sides to continue looking for compromises.
"I believe this is extremely important to not only resolve the pressing economic issues before rout countries, but also to create conditions to resolve other issues, including those of political nature," he said.
According to the president, Moscow and Tokyo share a high level of trust and cooperation.
