Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed Monday to continue negotiations on the issue of the northern territories and the conclusion of a formal peace treaty.
In their 20-minute phone call held at Moscow's request, Abe explained to Putin about his intention to step down. Abe also stressed the importance of resolving the territorial issue based on their 27 summit talks, sources said.
Putin reportedly thanked Abe for his cooperation over the years as a reliable partner with whom he had built up constructive dialogue and praised him for making great contributions to the development of Japan-Russia relations, including eliminating obstacles between the two nations.
At the end of the talks, Putin said, "Arigato," while Abe thanked him in Russian in return, saying, "Vladimir, spasiba."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
