Japan acknowledges Putin's upbeat comments on ties amid ongoing sanctions
Japan's government said it has taken note of President Vladimir Putin's recent positive remarks about cooperation with Tokyo, despite existing sanctions.
At a press briefing, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Japan has formally noted President Vladimir Putin's recent statements indicating a willingness to cooperate with Tokyo. Putin made the comments during a Moscow gathering on Thursday, highlighting his interest in improving bilateral relations. Japan, aligned with the Group of Seven, has kept in place economic sanctions against Russia since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, targeting assets of Putin and other officials.
The Japanese government stressed that open communication with Moscow is still essential. Relations remain strained over the contested islands off Hokkaido, which Tokyo calls the Northern Territories and Moscow refers to as the Southern Kurils. The remarks do not signal any immediate policy shift but underscore the diplomatic tension surrounding the sanctions and territorial dispute.
Why it matters
It shows Japan is monitoring Russia's overtures while continuing sanctions and territorial disputes.
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