Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Russian side’s initiative.

   In connection with Shinzo Abe’s decision to retire, Vladimir Putin thanked him for his collaboration and his great personal contribution to the development of bilateral cooperation. For his part, the Japanese Prime Minister expressed appreciation of the years-long constructive interaction with the President of Russia.

   Both sides pointed out the importance of continued efforts to strengthen neighbourly ties between Russia and Japan in the interest of the two nations, as well as security and stability in the whole of Asia Pacific.