Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori on Thursday said he will continue working toward signing a peace treaty with Russia, which would formally end World War II hostilities, by the end of the year.
Speaking to media at his official residence, Mori denied speculation that the treaty negotiations would not be completed by the end of the year, as was agreed upon in 1997 by the two countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to arrive in Japan on Sunday for a three-day visit.
The two countries have been unable to bridge their differences over a territorial dispute and negotiations have remained stalled.
Russia contends that resolving the territorial disputes on time is all but impossible and wants a peace treaty signed before resolving the issue, while Japan insists that the treaty cannot be signed until the territorial row is resolved.
"In the talks with President Putin, I intend to confirm the past developments (concerning Japan-Russia ties) which have been made between the two nations," Mori said, adding that there are still four months before the originally specified time frame expires.
He also denied the possibility that the two governments will review the contents of the peace treaty.