[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport).

The Prime Minister said the following with regard to his approaching meeting with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation.

"I have invited President Putin to my hometown of Nagato City. I would like to extend my heartfelt welcome to him.

I plan to have thorough negotiations while spending time at a hot spring resort along a river in a mountain valley with a relaxed atmosphere amidst quiet surrounded by the stillness of the night. A few days ago, I had the opportunity to meet with former islanders of the Northern Territories. Taking the earnest feelings of the former islanders firmly to heart, I will negotiate on behalf of Japan.”