Japan-Russia Relations

Japan-Russia Summit Meeting

November 10, 2017

Photograph of the leaders shaking hands <br>(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

Japan-Russia Summit Meeting<br>(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)

On November 10 at the margin of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Da Nang, Viet Nam, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan held his 20th Japan-Russia Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation, for approximately 65 minutes (a plenary meeting for approximately 50 minutes and a one-on-one meeting for approximately 15 minutes).

1. Northern Territories Issue
2. North Korea
3. Economic Areas
4. Coming Political Dialogue

1. Northern Territories Issue

The two leaders welcomed the fruitful outcomes in the second field survey relating to joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands.

The two leaders shared the view that both sides will accelerate their consideration in order to give shape to the projects towards the next spring in a form that does not harm the legal positions of either side. The two leaders also confirmed that two Director-General-level working group about details of the projects and the movement of people will be held before the end of this year, and a vice-ministerial-level dialogue will be also held early in 2018.

With regard to humanitarian measures for the former island residents, the two leaders confirmed that they will pursue realization of freer entry to the islands by the former island residents from 2018 onwards, including special grave visits by airplane. A vice-ministerial consultation on this matter will shortly take place.

In the one-on-one meeting the two leaders held candid and in-depth discussions on the issue of concluding a peace treaty.

2. North Korea

Prime Minister Abe emphasized that in order to achieve denuclearization of North Korea, which is a common goal for Japan and Russia, it is essential to ensure full implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.　Prime Minister Abe urged Russia to play a greater role. The two leaders confirmed that Japan and Russia will continue to collaborate closely on this issue.

3. Economic Areas

The two leaders welcomed the further realization of the Eight-point Cooperation Plan and confirmed that they would continue to discuss the plan.

4. Coming Political Dialogue

President Putin welcomed Japan’s participation in the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in May 2018 as a guest country.

In addition, the two leaders welcomed progress in preparations for the “Japan Year in Russia” and “Russia Year in Japan” in 2018. The two leaders also confirmed that the bilateral relations will develop in a broad range of areas in 2018 as well, following the visit to Russia by Mr. Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan planed in November or December this year.