Moscow, Sep 10 : Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed support for Russia's latest initiative to end the crisis in Syria over the alleged use of chemical weapons.

In a telephonic conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Abe expressed Japan's support for Russia’s initiative to place Syria’s chemical weapons under international control, the Kremlin press-service said Tuesday.

“Abe has highly evaluated the efforts Russia is taking on this track,” the press service said.

Putin also “warmly congratulated Abe upon Tokyo’s decisive victory in its bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games”, the press-service said.

“The Japanese prime minister, in turn, highly appreciated the organization and results of the G20 summit in St. Petersburg and wished Russia success in hosting the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi,” it added. (IANS)