Section 5 Russia, Central Asia and Caucasus

Overview

Bilateral relations between Japan and Russia have the greatest underlying potential.

Given the rapidly changing strategic environment of the Asia-Pacific region, developing relations with Russia as Japan's appropriate partner in the region contributes to Japan's national interest and regional peace and prosperity. With such understanding, Japan-Russia cooperation progressed in a wide range of areas in 2017, discussions on various levels were held, including four Summit Meetings, and five Foreign Ministers' Meetings. Progress was also made in cooperation between Japan and Russia on the topics of politics, security, economy, culture, and human exchanges among other matters.

Regarding the Northern Territories Issue, which is the greatest concern between Japan and Russia, five candidate projects¹, which will be undertaken at an early stage, have been designated in the context of the Joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands. Furthermore, a special grave visit by airplane was conducted for the first time as a part of humanitarian measures for the former island residents. In this way, the matters agreed² on the occasion of President Putin's visit to Japan in December 2016 have been taking shape.

While Japan has political dialogues at various levels including the summit level and promotes overall Japan-Russia cooperation in a wide range of fields, the Government of Japan intends to energetically continue negotiations with Russia to conclude a peace treaty through the resolution of the issue of attribution of the Four Northern Islands.

Countries in Central Asia and the Caucasus are situated in a location of geopolitical importance that connects Asia, Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, and have abundant natural resources such as oil, natural gas and uranium. The importance of this region is also highlighted in the context of efforts to seek the stability of the whole region and its respective countries, and to address key issues which the international community faces such as the fight against terrorism, and measures to counter illicit drugs.

In 2017, Japan and the countries in Central Asia and Caucasus celebrated the 25th anniversary since the establishment of diplomatic relations (See Column “Sharing the Appeal of Central Asia – Starting with Comics and Cuisine for a Milestone Year”). Japan continues to work for the strengthening of bilateral ties with these countries through VIP visits, etc., and will be continuing initiatives to　promote regional cooperation utilizing the framework of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, etc.

• 1 (1) Project of propagation and aquaculture of marine products, (2) greenhouse vegetable cultivation project, (3) development of tours compatible with the islands' features, (4) introduction of wind-power generation, and (5) garbage volume reduction measures
• 2 As a result of the Japan-Russia Summit Meeting in December 2016, the two leaders declared their sincere resolve to address the issue of a Peace Treaty, as well as agreed to begin negotiations on implementation of the Joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands. In addition, the two leaders agreed on improving procedures for grave visits of the former island residents.