MOSCOW. Aug 19 (Interfax) - A peace treaty and other bilateral and international affairs will be discussed at the Monday meeting of Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov and his Japanese counterpart Shinsuke Sugiyama.
"It is planned to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda, including the issues concerning the conclusion of a peace treaty, as well as to exchange opinions of pressing international and regional topics during the meeting," the Russian Foreign Ministry Information and Press Department told Interfax earlier.
The Japanese television channel NHK said the negotiations would last for two days.
Reportedly, the diplomats will consider next phases of negotiations in regard to the Kuril Islands. The Russian and Japanese leaders agreed to resume the dialogue during the Moscow visit of the Japanese prime minister in April 2013. Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the G8 Lough Erne summit sidelines.
"Putin and the Japanese premier have instructed their foreign political departments to intensify the search for a mutually acceptable solution," Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov said after that meeting.
Japan claims four Kuril islands, Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai, referring to the bilateral Treaty of Commerce and Navigation signed in 1855.
Moscow argues that the South Kuril Islands became a part of the Soviet territory after WW2 and Russia's sovereignty over the islands is internationally acknowledged and cannot be disputed.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is due to visit Japan this fall.