Japanese Foreign Minister: Proper Management of Relations with Russia Is Crucial
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stated that, from the perspective of safeguarding national interests, Tokyo considers it essential to properly manage its relationship with Russia.
Commenting on reports that Japanese government officials will visit Russia by late May, the foreign minister said Tokyo maintains its stance of sanctions against Moscow unchanged.
Motegi pointed out, "At the same time, Russia is Japan’s neighbor, and we believe it is important to properly manage bilateral relations."
According to him, Japan still intends to "act according to whether it aligns with national interests."
Kyodo News has reported twice since early April that representatives of major enterprises will join a government business delegation's visit to Russia for the first time since 2022. The first report was denied by cabinet officials, while the second prompted a response from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which confirmed that the business delegation is indeed being prepared, but its purpose is not to promote cooperation as some media reports suggest—it is instead to protect assets of Japanese companies operating in Russia.
Source: sputniknews
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1864965666116672/
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