Japan Govt Officials to Visit Russia

(2nd para should have read “… join talks …,” instead of as sent) Tokyo, May 11 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government plans to send officials to Russia as early as the end of this month chiefly for protecting Japanese business assets in the country under international sanctions, the economy ministry has revealed. In its posts on X Saturday, the ministry said the officials will be tasked to have communication with the Russian side in cooperation with Japanese companies and that representatives from companies involved may join talks depending on Russian counterparts. But it denied media reports that the government will dispatch a business mission to Moscow in anticipation of an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine, saying, “There is no such plan.” Noting that Tokyo will continue to impose sanctions on Russia in concert with other Group of Seven major democracies, the ministry pointed out that it is not the time to proceed with fresh cooperation with that country. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara told a regular press conference Monday that the government will firmly support Japanese companies active in Russia while maintaining the sanctions. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]