Peace Treaty Summit: Japan and Russia strike economic deals

But few believe Mr Putin is likely to hand the islands back, not least because of their strategic value sitting astride the entrance to the Sea of Okhotsk as well as Russian pride at having taken them as spoils of war.

A Japanese official briefing reporters on the summit suggested that legal questions could be a formidable stumbling block, notably regarding the regulatory framework for any economic projects in the islands.

“In any case, not damaging our country’s legal position is a prerequisite to joint economic activities on the four islands,” he said.

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(Sourced from agencies, feature image courtesy:newssummedup.com)