Japan’s position towards the Russian Federation on resolving the territorial issue regarding the “northern territories”, as Japan calls Kunashir, Iturup, Shikotan and Habomai, and concluding a peace treaty remains unchanged. This was stated by the new Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa at her first press conference.
According to Yoko Kamikawa, Tokyo will continue to build relations with Russia taking into account Japan’s national interests.
“As far as our diplomacy is concerned, in relations with Russia we will act based on our national interests,” Kamikawa said.
She emphasised that Japan will firmly stick to the course of resolving the “territorial issue” and concluding a peace treaty with Russia.
“With regard to the northern territories, we firmly adhere to the direction to solve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty,” the minister added.
The Japanese foreign minister noted that the resumption of relatives’ visits to the cemeteries of former Japanese residents of the Kuril Islands is currently one of the priorities for Tokyo in relations with Russia.
The minister added that Japan and Russia are neighbouring countries and Japan and Russia should act as neighbours in economic activities such as fishing and maritime security. At the same time, she specified that Tokyo would maintain the sanctions regime against Russia.
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