Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for Russia’s support in signing a postwar peace treaty.

Abe appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to carve out a new era in ties between their two countries. Relations had been hampered by a territorial dispute dating back to World War II.

Abe’s words came during a speech Saturday after the pair met for talks in Russia’s far eastern city of Vladivostok. The dispute has prevented the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending wartime hostilities. This has hindered trade and investment ties. Abe also proposed the two leaders should meet annually to try to hammer out their differences.