TOKYO, Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin kicked off Sunday his three-day visit to Japan, a tour  

President Vladimir Putin of Russia arrives in Japan for three-day visit aimed at putting aside a 60-year territorial dispute and opening the door for more trade, on Nov. 20, 2005. (Xinhua/Reuters)

overshadowed by the two countries' long-standing difference on the sovereignty transfer of a cluster of islands.

    Putin is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Monday.

    Koizumi suggested Thursday that the summit meeting would not give rise to a joint document over the islands issue.

    The transfer of sovereignty related to the four islands off Japan's northern Hokkaido prefecture has been the primary stumbling block in the bilateral relations.

    The islands fell under the control of former Soviet Union at the end of World War II. Citing a 1993 joint declaration, Japan insists that Russia turn over all islands prior to concluding a peace treaty. Russia, however, sticks to a 1956 document under with the peace treaty should come first and only two islands should be returned.

    Japan initially expected to have the visit realized early this year. Both Japanese and Russian diplomatic figures are not optimistic about a breakthrough at the summit.

    Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso has indicated that the row could be solved through joint development of the islands.

    Given the discord, the two sides are showing willingness to improve cooperation in other areas, especially the economy. The bilateral trade volume was far behind those between Japan and its two other neighbors -- China and South Korea.

    Putin, whose entourage features about 100 Russian economic leaders, will be attending Monday an economic forum and a luncheon, both hosted by the Japan Business Federation, Japan's biggest business lobby.

    The Russian president's last visit to Japan was in September 2000. Also on his agenda are meeting Emperor Akihito, talking with Japanese politicians and attending a art show celebrating the 150th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. Enditem