FROM EIR DAILY ALERT

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Putin and Abe Meet in Vladivostok, Set Joint Mission Projects, Look Ahead to a Peace Treaty

Sept. 10, 2018 (EIRNS)—Today in Vladivostok, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks, and set several joint mission projects and follow-on. Among the specifics are that a third Japanese business mission to the South Kurile Island is to happen by the end of the year, and perhaps as early as October. Abe said that Putin and he have outlined a roadmap for joint projects on the disputed islands.

In remarks to the media afterward, Abe addressed the question of a peace treaty.

“Our new approaches are changing the shape of Japanese-Russian cooperation. Without violating the legal positions of both sides, we are implementing what can be done. We are accumulating experience, we are moving toward what we, with President Putin aspire—toward a peace treaty. In order to solve the problem ... we, together with the President, will make every effort.”

Abe also addressed the question of providing economic assistance to North Korea, saying it will be possible, once the nuclear problem can be resolved.

“If we solve the issue of the kidnapping of Japanese citizens and the nuclear missile problem in a comprehensive way, we will be able to draw a line with the unfortunate past, and normalize diplomatic relations; then we will be able to provide North Korea with economic assistance.”

Putin told the press after their meeting,

“We are determined to develop Russian-Japanese cooperation based on the principles of good-neighborliness, mutual respect and mutual consideration of interests.”