Thursday, May 05, 2016

Japan’s Prime Minister Invites Putin to Tokyo Despite Washington’s Fury

On Friday, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. The meeting signals a thaw in relations between the two countries, as Abe seeks to settle territorial disputes and gain improved trade deal conditions.

The move doesn't sit well with Japan’s key ally, the United States. In February, President Barack Obama requested that Prime Minister Abe delay his visit until after the G7 summit at the end of May. Abe has chosen, however, to go forward with the meeting.

On Thursday, the Japanese prime minister made comments that will may only add to the frustration in Washington.

"We would like to search for the most appropriate time for Putin to visit Japan," Abe told reporters during his visit to London on Thursday .... http://sputniknews.com