Abe arrived in the city by government plane on Wednesday for the Eastern Economic Forum. It brings together government and business officials from Asia-Pacific nations.

Abe met with Battulga at a university on Russky island. The Mongolian leader took office in July.

Abe said he believes President Battulga is familiar with Japanese culture as he was informed the president has a black belt in judo. He said he hopes to work with Mongolia to develop bilateral ties.

Abe regards the country as an important regional partner.

The Japanese leader will meet separately South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday morning and Russian President Vladimir Putin later in the day on the sidelines of the economic forum.

Abe plans to reaffirm with Moon that their countries will work together so that the UN Security Council can adopt a new sanctions resolution against North Korea for its latest nuclear test.

The prime minister will ask Putin to play a constructive role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. Abe hopes the international community will work together to boost pressure on North Korea.

The 2 are also expected to discuss planned joint economic activities on 4 Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.