Japan, Russia agree to hold talks on territorial dispute

Japan and Russia agreed here Friday to hold talks at vice ministerial level on territorial dispute as early as late January next year. The two sides reached the agreement at a meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, a day ahead of the first Japan-Russia "two-plus-two" meeting involving their foreign and defense ministers. Kishida said that the two countries have made progress in cooperation in many areas like economy and security, adding he hopes the two countries' top diplomats could deepen communication. Lavrov said that the upcoming "two-plus-two" meeting is significant for Russia and Japan to enhance mutual trust and understanding. The two sides also agreed to initiate high-level talks on cyber- attacks and sharing information on counter measures. Kishida will visit Russia in spring next year and hold talks with Lavrov. Japan and Russia are at odds over the four islands north of Japan's Hokkaido. The disputed islands, known as the South Kurils in Russia and the northern territories in Japan, have prevented the two countries from signing a peace treaty since the end of World War II. Meanwhile, Japan's defense minister Itsunori Onodera met with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu and said Japan is willing to enhance defense exchanges with Russia. Shoigu said that establishing trust between Russia and Japan remains the most important thing and defense exchanges will play a role in the process.