"We will work hard to advance joint efforts to find a solution acceptable for both parties and we are determined to achieve as much progress as possible concerning the peace treaty issue," he said, adding that the people of Japan and Russia would also continue to boost friendly and trust-based ties.
Abe pointed out that the Japanese city of Osaka would host the G20 summit in June, on which occasion he planned to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In addition, the Japanese prime minister lauded the agreements the two leaders reached at their last meeting in Moscow, which particularly concern the development of projects aimed at enhancing joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands.
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