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▼ Abe, Putin Hold Talks in Premier’s Hometown
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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and visiting Russian President Vladmir Putin held talks on Thursday evening to seek common ground on the longstanding issue of the northern territories and set a course for the conclusion of a peace treaty between the two nations.
The meeting took place at a hot spring ryokan inn in the city of Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is Abe’s home turf and a part of his constituency.
At the meeting, Abe aimed to reach an agreement with his counterpart to promote “joint economic activities” on the four islands off northeast Hokkaido and expand the range of personal visits to these areas as a stepping-stone to make headway on the territorial issue that has continued for 71 years since the end of World War II.
At the opening of the meeting, which started a few hours behind schedule due to Putin’s late arrival, Abe said he wanted the Russian president “to enjoy the local specialties and soak in the hot spring, which will help you recover from fatigue.” Putin thanked Abe for his remarks and expressed hope that the bilateral talks on Thursday and Friday will contribute to further improving Russia-Japan relations.
The two leaders were expected to exchange their views candidly on promoting joint economic activities, widening the “non-visa exchange” framework to include businesspeople and giving former islanders what practically amounts to free access to the northern territories, all based on Abe’s “new approach” initiative.
However, with regard to joint economic activities, the Japanese side has been pushing for a framework that does not violate its sovereign rights, whereas the Russian side has been asserting that the activities must take place under Russian sovereignty.
The two leaders will continue talks on Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo to extend their discussion on promoting economic cooperation between the two nations, among other topics. A press conference is set for Friday evening for the announcement of the outcome.
This is the fourth meeting of the two leaders this year. This is Putin’s first visit to Japan in about seven years since he came as prime minister in May 2009. As president, it is his first visit in about 11 years since November 2005.
The meeting took place at a hot spring ryokan inn in the city of Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is Abe’s home turf and a part of his constituency.
At the meeting, Abe aimed to reach an agreement with his counterpart to promote “joint economic activities” on the four islands off northeast Hokkaido and expand the range of personal visits to these areas as a stepping-stone to make headway on the territorial issue that has continued for 71 years since the end of World War II.
At the opening of the meeting, which started a few hours behind schedule due to Putin’s late arrival, Abe said he wanted the Russian president “to enjoy the local specialties and soak in the hot spring, which will help you recover from fatigue.” Putin thanked Abe for his remarks and expressed hope that the bilateral talks on Thursday and Friday will contribute to further improving Russia-Japan relations.
The two leaders were expected to exchange their views candidly on promoting joint economic activities, widening the “non-visa exchange” framework to include businesspeople and giving former islanders what practically amounts to free access to the northern territories, all based on Abe’s “new approach” initiative.
However, with regard to joint economic activities, the Japanese side has been pushing for a framework that does not violate its sovereign rights, whereas the Russian side has been asserting that the activities must take place under Russian sovereignty.
The two leaders will continue talks on Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo to extend their discussion on promoting economic cooperation between the two nations, among other topics. A press conference is set for Friday evening for the announcement of the outcome.
This is the fourth meeting of the two leaders this year. This is Putin’s first visit to Japan in about seven years since he came as prime minister in May 2009. As president, it is his first visit in about 11 years since November 2005.
- December 19, 2016
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