Tokyo, Oct. 2 (Jiji Press)–Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that the deterioration in relations with Japan was caused by a change in Japan’s stance. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club meeting in Moscow on Thursday, which brought together Russia experts from inside and outside the country, Putin said that there has been absolutely no change in Russia’s approach over the past two years. He also said that he is interested in cooperation with Japan and that the ties could be improved depending on Japan’s attitude. Putin made the remarks in response to a question from Taisuke Abiru, senior fellow at Japan’s Sasakawa Peace Foundation. At the Valdai Discussion Club meeting two years ago, Putin said that Russia was prepared to build relations with Japan for the next five years and the next 50 years. Asked to comment on those remarks at Thursday’s meeting, Putin emphasized that it is not Russia that started sanctions, renewing his criticism of Japan’s punitive measures over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Citing Japan’s protest against his first visit to one of the four Russian-held northwestern Pacific islands claimed by Japan, Putin said he had heard harsh comments from some Japanese leaders. Meanwhile, he also said that there are some areas of mutual interest between Japan and Russia, and expressed his opinion that the bilateral relationship will be good-neighborly and mutually beneficial after the current difficulties are overcome. To improve ties, Japan would need to show a cooperative attitude, he said. In August, Putin made his first visit to Etorofu, one of the four islands at the center of the two nations’ long-standing territorial dispute. Japan protested the visit, prompting a strong reaction from the Russian side. The four islands, seized by the former Soviet Union from Japan at the end of World War II, are called the Northern Territories in Japan. At a press conference in Tokyo on Friday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Putin’s remarks that Japan was responsible for the deterioration of its relations with Russia are “unacceptable.” “The current strained relations stem from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Kihara said. The top government spokesman also said, “We have taken note of Putin’s comments on the importance of Japan-Russia relations and their future prospects,” highlighting the need to maintain communication with Moscow. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]
