Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a meeting of the State Council of Russia at FEFU Far Eastern Federal University, Sept. 10, 2018. (Photo: VCG )

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held talks about a bilateral peace treaty in the city of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East on Monday. 

In their talks on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, the two leaders were also expected to discuss joint economic activities on a group of disputed islands.

Putin: Moscow is ready to seek solutions

Putin said his country is ready to find solutions on a peace treaty with Japan that would be welcomed by both sides.

The two countries have not signed a peace treaty since World War Two because of a dispute about the islands, known as the Kuril Islands in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.

After talks with Abe, Putin added that Russia is ready to boost cooperation on the basis of the principles of good neighborliness and mutual interests and maintain contacts with Japan to support inter-Korean dialogue.

Abe: Talks with Putin moving towards treaty

The Japanese prime minister said that a peace treaty between Tokyo and Moscow is a historic task that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin need to achieve, Russian News Agency TASS said.

Speaking before the meeting, Abe said he would be seeking progress on the territorial dispute and the signing of a treaty. When it ended, he confirmed that "talks with Putin are moving towards a peace treaty."

Abe also announced that the head of Japan's self-defense forces will visit Russia in October.

The dispute over the islands

The four disputed Pacific islands were occupied by Soviet troops in 1945 and are currently under Russian control.

Russia and Japan have long been at odds due to the territorial dispute, which has blocked a peace treaty between the two countries since the end of World War Two.

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The 4th Eastern Economic Forum

The meeting between Abe and Putin is on the sidelines of the 4th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) that will take place in the Russian Far Eastern city Vladivostok from Tuesday to Thursday with representative delegations from over 60 states in attendance.

The event is seen as a symbol of Moscow's push for closer diplomatic and economic ties with Asia.

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