TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin projected a spirit of cooperation at their meeting Thursday, taking small steps toward resolving a long-running territorial row. But a divide on North Korea and a diplomatic chill between Moscow and Washington could put Tokyo's hard-won progress at risk.
The two leaders agreed to send a joint survey group to the disputed islands at the southern tip of the Kuril chain as early as May to consider economic projects. The public-private team, to consist of experts as well as representatives from the business world and relevant government agencies, will be the first of its kind in the postwar era. Putin and Abe also agreed to work together on fish farming and ecotourism on the islands.
