Putin Pays Tribute to Abe's Unfulfilled Treaty Dream

In a poignant gesture, Russian President Vladimir Putin honored the late Shinzo Abe, Japan's former prime minister, acknowledging his persistent yet unsuccessful efforts to establish a peace treaty between Japan and Russia. Their diplomacy was ultimately thwarted by long-standing territorial disputes and recent geopolitical conflicts.

Abe, who served as prime minister for nearly nine years, engaged in 27 meetings with Putin to address the unresolved issues stemming from World War Two, particularly the contentious claims over the Southern Kuril islands. Abe departed from office in 2020 and was tragically assassinated in 2022.

Putin, speaking to Abe's widow, lamented the deteriorating international circumstances, notably the conflict in Ukraine, which has further strained Russia-Japan relations. Though talks of peace have halted, Putin expressed a personal bond with Abe, regarding him as a significant contributor to bilateral ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)