Japan-Russia Relations
Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk
On September 3, commencing at 11:28 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, President of the Russian Federation. The overview of the talk is as follows.
1. Prime Minister Abe pointed out that North Korea’s decision to go ahead with a nuclear test on September 3rd poses an unprecedented, grave and serious threat to the safety of Japan. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe emphasized that it is important for the international community as a whole, including Japan and Russia, to exert the utmost pressure on North Korea, and that a new and powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution is essential.
2. In addition, Prime Minister Abe expressed the view that Russia plays an important role as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, and he once again strongly encouraged Russia to play a constructive role.
3. The two leaders fully shared recognition of the severe current situation that reckless actions by North Korea pose a serious threat.
4. On that basis, the two leaders agreed that they will discuss the issues concerning North Korea at this week’s Japan-Russia Summit Meeting in Vladivostok also, and that Japan and Russia will continue to collaborate closely at various levels.
