Russia & Japan inch closer to treaty
Masahiko Komura has said Tokyo hopes that talks between Russia and Japan will help make headway in signing a peace treaty.
Russia and Japan have failed to sign a formal peace treaty following World War II over their dissension on the territorial status of South Kuril Islands.
The meeting will also help plan ahead for President-elect Dmitry Medvedev's forthcoming visit to Japan and Japanese Prime Minister Yasao Fukuda's trip to Russia.
Economic co-operation between the two countries has grown in recent years.
Japan’s Foreign Minister has also visited the Toyota plant near St. Petersburg the day before.