Russia says it is ready for more talks with Japan on a long-delayed peace treaty, but there is no room for compromise over the two countries' territorial dispute.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the comments after talks with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida, in Moscow on September 21.
A dispute over the Kuril Islands, which Russia seized from Japan at the end of World War II, has strained ties and has kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty.
"On our agenda is reaching the peace deal," Lavrov said. "Moving forward on this issue is possible only after we see clearly Japan's recognition of historical realities."
The two ministers agreed to hold bilateral consultations on a peace treaty next month.
They also discussed a long-delayed visit by President Vladimir Putin to Japan.
Lavrov said the Kremlin had accepted the invitation, but that the specific date was up to Tokyo.