MOSCOW. April 27 (Interfax) - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he intended to discuss the peace treaty problem with Russia at his negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"I would like to discuss various issues, among them bilateral relations, including the conclusion of a peace treaty, in addition to measures to ensure security and the regional situation," Abe said in his opening remarks at the meeting with Putin.
He lauded the development of Russian-Japanese relations.
"Our economic relations have been developing in accordance with the eight-point cooperation plan; bilateral relations have been advancing as they should since our meeting in Nagato. I appreciate this step ahead made in Japanese-Russian relations," Abe said.
He offered condolences to Putin on the recent terror attack on the St. Petersburg metro train.
"We unwaveringly condemn such behavior. The people of Japan are together with the people of Russia, and please allow me to express our solidarity," Abe said.
In his opening remarks, Abe was calling Putin by his first name, Vladimir.