MOSCOW. March 1 (Interfax) - While tackling the issue of a peace treaty with Russia, Tokyo will insist on settling the problem of the territorial status of four South Kuril islands, said Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.
"Although there still remains a wide gap between the positions of Japan and Russia concerning the issue of the Northern Territories, the main pending issue between the two countries, we will work persistently toward the conclusion of a peace treaty with Russia by resolving the issue of the attribution of the four islands," Kishida said.
The text of Kishido's speech was handed over to Interfax on Friday.
"In this light, we expect that the Prime Minister's visit to Russia scheduled to take place this year, will lend new momentum to the development of Japan-Russia relations," he also said.
"With regard to the Japan-Russia relationship, we will make efforts, from a strategic point, for the development of cooperation in all areas, including security and economic relations, with a view to building appropriate relations as partners in the Asia-Pacific region," the Japanese foreign minister said.