Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi stated at a press briefing that Tokyo remains committed to signing a peace treaty with Russia, underscoring that the overarching diplomatic aim has not shifted. This assertion was reported by DEA News and reflects a long-standing expectation within Tokyo to resolve outstanding differences with Moscow through a formal agreement. The minister emphasized that the region’s stability remains a central objective of Japan’s foreign policy, and that the pursuit of a peace treaty with Russia is seen as a concrete pathway to that stability. The remarks come amid a broader context of regional security considerations and ongoing diplomatic channels between the two nations. [citation: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, press briefing remarks, 2025]
Hayashi added that after addressing core regional concerns, the government’s position on initiating a peace agreement with Russia remains unchanged. He suggested that progress on regional security could create an environment conducive to negotiations, while also acknowledging practical and legal complexities inherent in treaty talks. The minister’s comments indicate a patient, methodical approach to diplomacy, prioritizing clarity of terms and verifiable commitments that would govern any future settlement. [citation: Japanese Foreign Ministry briefing, 2025]
The minister also highlighted a humanitarian and cultural dimension to Tokyo’s priorities, noting that restoring the possibility for visits to the graves of ancient Japanese residents of the South Kuril Islands remains a priority. This emphasis reflects the emotional and historical significance attached to the disputed territories for many Japanese citizens, and it signals a readiness to link practical negotiation steps with symbolic gestures that acknowledge historical ties. [citation: regional diplomacy briefing, 2025]
On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reported at a press conference summarizing the year’s diplomatic efforts that contact between Moscow and Tokyo had largely remained at the embassy level. The characterization of limited direct dialogue underscores the challenges facing any substantial breakthroughs, even as both sides maintain formal channels for dialogue and exchanges. The balance of diplomacy appears to hinge on procedural and confidence-building measures that pave the way for future conversations at higher levels. [citation: Russian Foreign Ministry release, 2025]
In a related development, the Russian government announced a September agreement intended to streamline the process for visiting the Kuril Islands by Japanese nationals who are former residents of those islands. While designed to facilitate travel, the measure also serves as a potential confidence-building step within the broader framework of negotiations over the territorial issues and the historical residents’ rights. Observers suggest that such practical steps, though modest, could help create momentum and demonstrate a gesture of goodwill as formal talks proceed. [citation: Moscow government publication, 2025]
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