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Putin-Abe negotiations kick off in Moscow

After the talks, Putin and Abe are expected to make statements for the media

© Mikhail Metzel/TASS

MOSCOW, January 22. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe began their talks in Moscow on Tuesday, which will focus on a peace treaty.

Opening the talks, Putin said: "It’s very pleasant that our meetings have become regular, this allows us to discuss issues related to fostering bilateral relations and the situation in the region." He noted that issues on many areas have been worked out, including on a peace treaty.

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The leaders will be later joined by other participants of the meeting during a working breakfast. After talks, Putin and Abe are expected to make statements for the media.

Putin and Abe will also discuss prospects of developing bilateral cooperation in political, trade and economic and humanitarian areas, and also exchange views on the most pressing issues on the international and regional agenda.

Kremlin Aide Yuri Ushakov earlier said that despite certain differences between Moscow and Tokyo, the two leaders wish to fully normalize relations and sign a peace treaty.

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