Japan and Russia to hold talks on Kuril Islands dispute
At least somebody made a diplomatic breakthrough at the U.N. this year: "I think we can build a win-win relation between Japan and Russia by cooperating in various fields, including energy in Sakhalin and East Siberia," Hatoyama told Medvedev, according to the official. Medvedev replied: "I agree on the idea of two wheels of one ...
At least somebody made a diplomatic breakthrough at the U.N. this year:
At least somebody made a diplomatic breakthrough at the U.N. this year:
"I think we can build a win-win relation between Japan and Russia by cooperating in various fields, including energy in Sakhalin and East Siberia," Hatoyama told Medvedev, according to the official.
Medvedev replied: "I agree on the idea of two wheels of one cart. It is important to move all fields forwards."
The two leaders agreed to launch a regular dialogue of their foreign ministers to discuss the dispute over the Kuril Islands, a feud that still haunts bilateral ties.
The newly elected Hatoyama favors improved relations with Russia.
Joshua Keating was an associate editor at Foreign Policy. Twitter: @joshuakeating
More from Foreign Policy

Can Russia Get Used to Being China’s Little Brother?
The power dynamic between Beijing and Moscow has switched dramatically.

Xi and Putin Have the Most Consequential Undeclared Alliance in the World
It’s become more important than Washington’s official alliances today.

It’s a New Great Game. Again.
Across Central Asia, Russia’s brand is tainted by Ukraine, China’s got challenges, and Washington senses another opening.

Iraqi Kurdistan’s House of Cards Is Collapsing
The region once seemed a bright spot in the disorder unleashed by U.S. regime change. Today, things look bleak.