Media FAQ

November 9, 2007

Russian Deputy Prime Minister's Visit to Japan

Q: With regard to the Northern Territories issue, what was discussed between Foreign Minister Koumura and Deputy Prime Minister and Government Chief of Staff Naryshkin on November 5 in Tokyo?

A: Foreign Minister Koumura first expressed his full support for President Putin's instruction to Foreign Minister Lavrov that "no stagnation should be allowed in the progress of Japan-Russia relations." Then Foreign Minister Koumura stated that the Japanese side was prepared to continue working to take Japan-Russia relations to a higher level in all areas and that both sides needed to make concrete progress towards resolution of the Northern Territories issue. He asked Deputy Prime Minister Naryshkin to convey Japan's position to President Putin.

In response, Deputy Prime Minister Naryshkin assured Foreign Minister Koumura that he would deliver the message to the President and stated that the frank dialogue between the two leaders enabled Russia and Japan to discuss any issue, including the territorial dispute. Deputy Prime Minister Naryshkin also stated that Russia would not avoid discussing this issue, and that Russia was ready to engage in constructive discussions based upon the principle of reciprocity. In so doing, the two ministers continued their interaction, working intensively to seek a mutually acceptable solution.

With regard to the conclusion of a peace treaty, Foreign Minister Koumura referred to a news report that workers from third countries are being brought into the Four Northern Islands to develop them, and reaffirmed Japan's demand that Russia avoid any such actions that will have a negative effect on Japanese public sentiment towards Russia or negotiations on the territorial dispute. Foreign Minister Koumura further mentioned that it was unacceptable to Japan that Japanese companies conduct activities in a manner as if they were subject to Russian jurisdiction. In addition, Foreign Minister Koumura stated that Japan was ready to discuss a mutually-acceptable formula of cooperation on the four islands.

Proclamation of Emergency in Pakistan

Q: The Government of Pakistan issued a Proclamation of Emergency covering the entire country and the Constitution went into abeyance on November 3. What is Japan's position on these developments?

A: The aforementioned measures taken by the Government of Pakistan constitute a setback in the process towards the consolidation of democracy in Pakistan, and the Government of Japan is deeply concerned about this situation.

Japan has consistently supported Pakistan's fight against terrorism and its efforts for the consolidation of democracy. The Government of Japan hopes that the situation in Pakistan will be normalized promptly and that it will return to the process towards the consolidation of democracy.

Back to Index