The Japanese government will accelerate territorial negotiations with Russia. The 2 sides agreed to hold a summit meeting in September.

Japan deputy foreign minister Shinsuke Sugiyama and his counterpart Igor Morgulov met in Moscow on Monday. They agreed to arrange top-level talks for September 5th during the G20 summit in St. Petersburg.

They spoke for more than 100 minutes on the territorial dispute over 4 Russian-held islands off Hokkaido. Japan claims sovereignty over the islands.

Japanese officials said differences still remain on the issue. But they say it's important the negotiations over the dispute restarted under Russian President Vladimir Putin's government.
They say the president is showing a willingness to address the longstanding territorial issue.

To help negotiations go smoothly, the Japanese government will promote cooperation in areas including energy development and security.

-------------------

This news was publshed on August 20, 2013.

Source: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20130821_08.html