Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Tuesday said he would discuss the Russia-Japan relations with focus on the signing of the peace treaty ahead of the summit slated for September.

“During this meeting I will like to discuss various issues in the light of the upcoming summit in September.

“I will like to have an open exchange of views on bilateral relations with the emphasis on signing the peace treaty, including the issues of joint economic activities,’’ Taro said.

Taro noted that he would like the high-level exchanges between Japan and Russia to continue in the future.

“I am also looking forward to taking part in the third round of the ‘2+2’ talks,’’ the minister added.

The two foreign ministers along with Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera are scheduled to take part in the “2+2” format talks later in the day.

The event is taking place in Moscow for the first time, as previous rounds were hosted by Tokyo.

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry said that the Russian and Japanese top diplomats would address the schedule for further contacts within political dialogue, prospects for trade and economic cooperation.

Furthermore, the Russian side is set to raise the issue of the U.S. global missile defence system’s deployment in the Asia-Pacific region, issues of non-proliferation and disarmament.

They are also to fight against new challenges and threats, as well as situation in the Middle East and in the Asia-Pacific region during the “2+2’’ talks.