Pravda... The visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to Russia has confirmed the transition of Russian-Japanese relations to a new quality. Abe's visits to Moscow are now perceived as common work trips.
It appears that the most painful issue in bilateral relations between Russia and Japan has been resolved - the dispute about the Kuril Islands. They will remain Russian territory, but will become an object for joint economic activity for Russia and Japan. An agreement was reached about a joint project for the cultivation of fish and sea urchins on four northern islands of the Kuril chain. Japanese officials are expected to come to the Southern Kurils in summer to study specific opportunities for cooperation.
The Kurils will thus obtain prospects for large-scale Japanese and joint investment. This will give a powerful impetus to the development of the islands, whereas both Russia and Japan will receive mutually beneficial economic profits from working on the Kuril Islands.