Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Moscow, the first meeting between leaders of the two countries in a decade.
The April 29 talks were expected to focus on a territorial dispute that has prevented the nations from signing a treaty to end World War II.
The dispute centers on four small islands in the Pacific, known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.
The two leaders were also expected to discuss economic ties, including possible Japanese participation in energy projects and the building of infrastructure in Russia's Far East.
Abe is being accompanied by a 120-strong business delegation.
The April 29 talks were expected to focus on a territorial dispute that has prevented the nations from signing a treaty to end World War II.
The dispute centers on four small islands in the Pacific, known as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan.
The two leaders were also expected to discuss economic ties, including possible Japanese participation in energy projects and the building of infrastructure in Russia's Far East.
Abe is being accompanied by a 120-strong business delegation.