Japan-Russia Relations
Japan-Russia Summit Telephone Talk
May 7, 2020
On May 7, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. ABE Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Putin, Vladimir Vladimirovich, President of the Russian Federation. The overview is as follows.
- Amid the worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the two leaders referred to their mutual efforts so far to protect the citizens of both countries, and affirmed that they would continue to cooperate, as necessary. They also confirmed that Japan and Russia would continue to cooperate with each other for the early containment of the disease.
- In particular, the leaders welcomed the progress of concrete cooperation under the Eight-point Cooperation Plan as part of the efforts to respond to COVID-19, including the support from the Japan-Russia joint investment framework for the manufacture and sales of rapid test kits by a Japanese-Russian joint venture company. Both leaders shared the view to continue their close partnership and cooperation.
- With respect to the efforts to protect the citizens of both countries, Prime Minister Abe referred to the support provided by the Government of Japan for the protection and return home of Russian nationals staying in Japan, including the passengers on the cruise ship “Diamond Princess”, as well as to the cooperation, including the provision of flight information, for the Japanese nationals residing in Russia.
- Both leaders shared the view that Japan and Russia would proceed steadily with consultations and cooperation between the two countries, including on the negotiations on a peace treaty, the joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands, the Four-Island Exchange Program and other programs, and the Japan-Russia Year of Regional Exchanges.