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.