Japan-Russia Relations
Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk
October 7, 2021
On October 7, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich, President of the Russian Federation. An overview of the talk is as follows.
- Prime Minister Kishida offered his greetings as the newly appointed Prime Minister and stated that he attaches great importance to Japanese-Russian relations, and that he would like to develop overall Japan-Russia relations in a mutually beneficial manner, including the issue of concluding a peace treaty. He also stated that he would like to firmly work on the Northern Territories issue with President Putin without leaving the issue to the next generation.
- In response, President Putin offered his congratulations on Prime Minister Kishida’s appointment to office. He expressed his readiness to work constructively with Prime Minister Kishida on bilateral and international issues. He stated that he intended to continue dialogue concerning all bilateral issues, including the issue of concluding a peace treaty.
- In addition, the two leaders confirmed that they would firmly work on the peace treaty negotiations based on the various agreements created by the two sides so far, including the one between the two leaders in Singapore in 2018.
- The two leaders also shared the view that Japan and Russia would develop overall Japan-Russia relations in a mutually beneficial manner in a broad range of fields, including politics, economy, and culture, and that they would work together to realize the Japan-Russia Intergovernmental Committee on Trade and Economic Issues and the opening ceremony of the Japan-Russia Year of Regional Exchanges.
- Prime Minister Kishida also stated that he places great importance on humanitarian measures for the former island residents, including grave visits to the four islands by airplane. He further stated that he hoped to resume them as soon as possible in conjunction with exchange programs involving the four islands. President Putin stated that he would like to continue consultations on this issue.
- The two leaders also discussed North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. Regarding the abductions issue, Prime Minister Kishida asked for understanding and support. President Putin expressed his intension to cooperate in this field as well.
- To conclude, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he was looking forward to meeting President Putin, and President Putin also conveyed his hope to meet as soon as possible.