Asymmetry and Development of Russia-Japan Relations
... the two countries’ leaders did not result in any breakthrough agreements or a large package of signed documents, but it showcased the two countries’ focus on expanding cooperation and their readiness to work steadily in that area. Shinzo Abe and Vladimir Putin’s next meeting, slated for the autumn of 2018, will be an important indicator of the parties’ success in launching implementation of their agreements on joint economic activities on the southern Kuril Islands. 1 . There are well-founded doubts that resolving this issue, without adequate economic conditions, would in itself create grounds for breakthrough expansion of economic cooperation. 2 . Japan insists on establishing a special legal regime ...