Putin, Abe agree on joint economic activities on Kuril Islands

NAGATO /Japan/, December 15. /TASS/. On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have discussed the details of bilateral document concerning the consultations on joint economic activities on the four South Kuril Islands, Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov said. According to him, the relevant statement is scheduled to be published on December 16.Abe says discussed with Putin peace treaty. "We had a direct discussion on the issues of free visits (to the South Kuril Islands) for former citizens of the islands, joint economic activity as part of a special system on the four islands and also the issue of a peace treaty," Abe told reporters in Nagato. Ushakov added that the document mentioned such spheres as fishing, tourism, medicine, environmental protection as well as some others. When asked if these activities will be based on Russia’s legislation, Ushakov said: "Of course, since it is Russia’s territory." Read more