Japan-Russia Relations
Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
February 15, 2020
On February 15, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, held their fourth Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting for approximately one hour in Munich, the Federal Republic of Germany. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Issue of concluding a peace treaty
Taking into consideration the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting at the end of last year, Minister Motegi conveyed his thoughts more concretely regarding ways for advancing the negotiations.
2. Joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands
The two ministers discussed the way forward for future consultations, taking into account the discussions in the director-general-level working group on comprehensive issues held in January and the projects to be implemented this year.
3. Humanitarian measures for the former island residents
Minister Motegi conveyed to Minister Lavrov the requests received by former island residents concerning measures on visits to the Four Northern Islands, including the requests that Prime Minister Abe received from the former island residents on February 7 (Northern Territories Day), and asked for Russia’s positive consideration.
4. Political schedule and other matters
The two ministers shared the view on the need of swiftly holding vice-ministerial-level consultations and conducting follow-ups based on the discussions held at this Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. In addition, Minister Motegi invited Minister Lavrov to visit Japan at an early date, and it was decided that the two sides will coordinate the schedule.