The two countries have not signed a peace treaty even 70 years after World War II ended. Japan and Russia are locked in conflicting claims over islands north of the Japanese island of Hokkaido, which Japan calls its "Northern Territories".
The disputed islands were seized by Soviet troops as the war ended.
"President Putin and I share the view that it is abnormal for our nations not to have a peace treaty 70 years since (the war)," Abe told reporters in Tokyo at his first press conference of the year.
"The issues related to the Northern Territories cannot be resolved without exchanges between the leaders.
"I will continue my dialogue with President Putin when opportunities arise. We will explore the most appropriate timing for his visit to Japan."
Abe is hosting a meeting of Group of Seven leaders in May. The summit is scheduled to be held May 26 and 27 in Shima, Mie Prefecture. The G-7 groups Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the US.
Putin is not expected to attend and Abe did not suggest otherwise.
Abe said it was crucial that Russia play a constructive role in fighting terrorism and in the crises in Iran and Syria.
He stressed on the need to have a dialogue and said that the international community must encourage Russia's participation in the world's fight against terrorism and the Syrian crisis.
"It is also important that we gain Russia's constructive engagement to deal with issues of terrorism, Syria and Iran," Abe said.
Since becoming prime minister in 2012, Abe has sought to improve bilateral ties with Russia, but the conflict in Ukraine and other issues have complicated that effort.
Several earlier plans for a visit to Japan by Putin have been put off due to Western concerns over Russia's involvement in such Ukraine.
Japan Times reported speculations that a compromise might allow Russia and Japan to split control of the islands.
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