There still are significant differences between the Russian and Japanese positions on the peace treaty issue, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a meeting with his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono on Friday.
Lavrov recalled that the current round of talks was taking place in accordance with a decision made by the two countries’ leaders to step up dialogue based on the 1956 Joint Declaration. “In accordance with these agreements, you and me have a serious task to make sure that bilateral relations reach a new level, which would facilitate the search for mutually acceptable solutions,” he added.
“During the previous rounds of talks that took place in January and February, as well as during consultations between our deputies, the parties clarified their principal approaches and thoroughly discussed historical and legal aspects,” he said. “I hope that these talks and consultations allowed the parties to better understand differences in their positions. The differences are still rather significant,” the Russian top diplomat pointed out. He was also hopeful that the meeting would make it possible for the parties to find ways to bring their positions closer.
According to the Russian foreign minister, it is important to thoroughly understand the situation “in order to have a realistic assessment of the prospects” for talks between Russia and Japan. “I look forward to continuing substantive and constructive discussions,” Lavrov said.