Press Releases
Japan-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Telephone Talk
November 25, 2021
On November 25, commencing at 5:00 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Lavrov, Sergey Viktorovich, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that he attached great importance to Japan-Russia relations and intended to exchange views with Minister Lavrov for developing overall bilateral relations in a mutually beneficial manner in a broad range of fields, such as politics, economy, and culture, including the issue of concluding a peace treaty. In response, Minister Lavrov offered his congratulations on Minister Hayashi’s appointment to office.
- The two Ministers discussed bilateral relations, such as negotiations on a peace treaty, joint economic activities on the Four Northern Islands, programs such as grave visits to Four Northern Islands and the Four-Island Exchange Program, economy, people-to-people exchanges, and security.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views regarding regional situations, including Ukraine and Belarus. In addition, the two Ministers discussed North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities. Regarding the abductions issue, Minister Hayashi asked for understanding and cooperation.
- To conclude, Minister Hayashi stated that he was looking forward to meeting Minister Lavrov in person, and Minister Lavrov also conveyed his hope to meet soon.