Japan reaffirms goal of peace treaty with Russia

Japan is seeking to conclude a peace treaty with Russia despite strained bilateral relations, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Speaking at the 45th National Convention Demanding the Return of the Northern Territories, Takaichi stated that although relations with Moscow remain difficult, Japan’s position on resolving the dispute over the four northern islands, or Kuril islands, and signing a peace treaty has not changed, Caliber.Az reports per Japanese media. 

She noted that nearly 80 years have passed since the end of World War II, yet the territorial issue between the two countries remains unresolved and no peace treaty has been concluded. Takaichi described the situation as regrettable and said the Japanese government views it as a serious matter.

In Japan, the term Northern Territories refers to the southern Kuril Islands of Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup and the Habomai islets.

Russia suspended peace treaty negotiations with Japan in 2022 in response to sanctions imposed by Tokyo following Moscow’s actions in Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli