Japanese people are 'disappointed' with the Abe-Putin summit.

(Baonghean.vn) - On December 16, Toshihiro Nikai, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said that many Japanese people were "disappointed" that Abe could not narrow the differences with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the sovereignty dispute over the Southern Kuril Islands, currently controlled by Russia but also claimed by Japan, which it calls the Northern Territories.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to hold talks on joint operations on the disputed islands. Photo: AP

Speaking at a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo, Nikai said, "We must note that most Japanese people have expressed disappointment." He argued that Prime Minister Abe "should have reached a satisfactory agreement" by continuing negotiations with President Putin "even for three or four days," rather than just two days.

Furthermore, while welcoming some agreements reached, such as the plan to simplify procedures so that former Japanese residents can visit their relatives on the islands of the Southern Kuril archipelago, Mr. Nikai said that one should not be complacent and expressed hope that the two countries would move towards a genuine peace treaty and friendship.

Lan Ha

(According to Kyodo)