Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called on officials to keep visiting the disputed Southern Kuril islands and vowed to boost development in this remote region.

In his meeting with Russia's Security Council, Medvedev stressed all the visits to the Southern Kuril islands, which is also claimed by Japan, are aiming to promote the region's development.

"All these journeys are connected with the single (task) -- we must pay more attention to the Kurils territories' development," Medvedev was quoted by local media as saying.

He recalled his visit to the region as the first Russian president, saying his visit was to encourage investments and social benefits growth for the South Kuril islands.

The president also called for more attention to the relations with Japan, saying the two countries should upgrade the Moscow-Tokyo strategic relationship.

Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov on Friday visited the Southern Kuril islands, in the wake of a series of visits by Russian officials.

Russia and Japan have long been at odds over the sovereignty of the four Pacific islands, which are called the Northern Territories in Japan and the Southern Kurils in Russia.

Last November Medvedev visited Kunashiri Island as the first leader from Russia to travel to any of the disputed islands. Later, Japan temporarily recalled its ambassador from Moscow to protest Medvedev's visit.