Prime Minister Takaichi Spoke to the Press Regarding President Putin's Visit to Etorofu Island
(Reporter)I am Kanno from Fuji Television. Thank you for taking my question. Madame Prime Minister, Russian state media reported today that President Putin made his first visit to Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories, which is an inherent territory of Japan. What is your view on this development, and how does the Government intend to respond going forward?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)Today, August 13, I was informed that President Putin of Russia visited Etorofu Island. Since President Putin stated in January 2024 that he would definitely visit the Northern Territories, the Government of Japan has repeatedly conveyed to the Russian side not to make such a visit by the President to the Northern Territories.
I strongly protest President Putin's visit to Etorofu Island today, which took place despite such repeated representations made by the Government of Japan.
The Northern Territories are an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based on international law. This visit to Etorofu Island by the incumbent President of Russia is incompatible with the Government of Japan's consistent position on the Northern Territories.
Furthermore, it hurts the public sentiment of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable. Japan-Russia relations remain in a difficult situation as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Even under such circumstances, Japan has made every possible effort.
However, I must say that this visit has further hardened public sentiment toward Russia in Japan and made it more difficult to restore Japan-Russia relations over the medium to long term. I would like the Russian side to fully appreciate the gravity of this matter.
(Reporter)I am Echigo from Jiji Press. When did the Government of Japan become aware of this visit?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)We were confirming the facts. I was informed this afternoon.
(Reporter)I am Kobayashi from The Hokkaido Shimbun. In light of the brief exchange between Foreign Minister Motegi and Foreign Minister Lavrov in July, how does the Government intend to pursue channels of dialogue between Japan and Russia going forward?
(Prime Minister TAKAICHI)With regard to this visit to Etorofu Island by the President of Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also express our strong protest to the Russian side shortly.
For Japan, visits to the graves in the Northern Territories, in particular, are a humanitarian issue, and it is precisely for this reason that we have continued to address the matter while keeping channels of dialogue firmly open.
Against this backdrop, I find the current situation deeply regrettable. As for our response going forward, the Government will give the matter careful consideration.
Notes
(Reporter)I am Kanno from Fuji Television. Thank you for taking my question. Madame Prime Minister, Russian state media reported today that President Putin made his first visit to Etorofu Island in the Northern Territories, which is an inherent territory of Japan. What is your view on this development, and how does the Government intend to respond going forward? (Prime Minister TAKAICHI)Today, August 13, I was informed that President Putin of Russia visited Etorofu Island. Since President Putin stated in January 2024 that he would definitely visit the Northern Territories, the Government of Japan has repeatedly conveyed to the Russian side not to make such a visit by the President to the Northern Territories. I strongly protest President Putin's visit to Etorofu Island today, which took place despite such repeated representations made by the Government of Japan. The Northern Territories are an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based on international law. This visit to Etorofu Island by the incumbent President of Russia is incompatible with the Government of Japan's consistent position on the Northern Territories. Furthermore, it hurts the public sentiment of the Japanese people and is absolutely unacceptable. Japan-Russia relations remain in a difficult situation as a result of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Even under such circumstances, Japan has made every possible effort. However, I must say that this visit has further hardened public sentiment toward Russia in Japan and made it more difficult to restore Japan-Russia relations over the medium to long term. I would like the Russian side to fully appreciate the gravity of this matter. (Reporter)I am Echigo from Jiji Press. When did the Government of Japan become aware of this visit? (Prime Minister TAKAICHI)We were confirming the facts. I was informed this afternoon. (Reporter)I am Kobayashi from The Hokkaido Shimbun. In light of the brief exchange between Foreign Minister Motegi and Foreign Minister Lavrov in July, how does the Government intend to pursue channels of dialogue between Japan and Russia going forward? (Prime Minister TAKAICHI)With regard to this visit to Etorofu Island by the President of Russia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also express our strong protest to the Russian side shortly. For Japan, visits to the graves in the Northern Territories, in particular, are a humanitarian issue, and it is precisely for this reason that we have continued to address the matter while keeping channels of dialogue firmly open. Against this backdrop, I find the current situation deeply regrettable. As for our response going forward, the Government will give the matter careful consideration.