Putin hopes talks in premier Abe's home region will help reach mutual understanding on peace treaty issues
MOSCOW. Dec 13 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said the opportunity to visit the home region of Japan's current prime minister, Shinzo Abe, during his visit to Japan is important for further Russian-Japanese cooperation.
In an interview with Japanese media he expressed hope that socializing with the Japanese premier in an informal atmosphere in his home region will help the two men reach an understanding on how to resolve the unsettled problem of a peace treaty.
"I wish that in the course of my visit to places the Prime Minister calls home, all of a sudden, we would reach a clear understanding on how we can resolve the matters. We will be very glad if that happens," Putin said.
"Are there any chances? Perhaps. There is always a chance, or else it makes no sense to talk. How great is it? Right now, it is difficult for me to say, because this will depend, among other things, on the flexibility of our partners," the Russian president said.
Putin will begin his trip to Japan by visiting the Yamaguchi Prefecture, the home region of Prime Minister Abe.
