Japanese PM laments lack of peace treaty with Russia

The islands were incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1945, and Russia regards them as an integral part of its territory, while Tokyo continues to lay claim to what it calls the “Northern Territories.” The prime minister added that she views the restart of a program to facilitate visits of former Japanese residents of the islands and their relatives as “one of the top priorities in the Japan-Russia relationship.” After Takaichi assumed the prime minister post last October, she repeatedly signaled her intent to reach a formal peace settlement with Russia and “to resolve the territorial issue.” While Moscow has welcomed the proclaimed goal, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said late last year that Tokyo had been displaying a “rather unfriendly stance” towards Moscow and has taken part in “all the unlawful sanctions and restrictions against our country” imposed by the West.

Author: RT

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