Japan protests Russian PM visit to Kuril Islands

The Russian Prime Minister’s visit to the Kuril Islands has provoked predictable displeasure in Japan, which continues to contest the universally recognized results of WWII.

“We would like to reiterate that we have no intention to take into account the Japanese viewpoint in drawing up the work schedule of leaders and government members, and trips to that Russian region and the consistent implementation of the federal targeted program of the socioeconomic development of the Kuril Islands (the Sakhalin region) in 2016-2025 will continue”, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. “I find [the incident] extremely regrettable”.

Russian Cabinet members have visited the Northern Territories in succession, culminating in Medvedev’s visit, which Japan repeatedly requested that he desist from, so that Kishida’s visit could proceed.

Given this, the Japan-Russia relationship will inevitably deteriorate, making it all the more hard to resolve the bilateral territorial dispute, according to observers.

The trip “contradicts Japan’s position over the Northern Territories and hurts the feelings of the Japanese people…”

Tokyo and Moscow have been involved in a dispute over the islands north of Hokkaido since the end of World War Two.

On Etrofu Island, Medvedev inspected the condition of infrastructure improvements and instructed the local government to improve its airport’s ability to handle takeoffs and landings during inclement weather.

The Japanese government has regarded the planned visit to Russian Federation by Kishida as an important preparation for Putin’s visit.

Japan has also been looking to arrange a visit this year by Russian President Vladimir Putin for summit talks with Abe, Kyodo news agency said.

An advanced combat-ready military group should be deployed on the Kuril Islands, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Saturday.

He made the remark during his visit to Etorofu Island.

Dmitry Medvedev called the Kuril Islands “a gate to the rapidly developing Asian-Pacific region” adding that the islands have all the resources needed for the development of industries, fishery and tourism.

The Russian Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, released a statement on August 22 condemning Japan’s protest of Medvedev’s visit.