Ambassador Kamizuki, who has been stationed in Russia for eight years and has been involved in peace treaty negotiations, condemned Russia for continuing its invasion of Ukraine at a press conference held before leaving office, but emphasized that Japan intends to firmly maintain its policy of resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty.
Ambassador Toyohisa Kamizuki, who has been stationed in Russia since December 2015, held a press conference in Moscow on March 12 before leaving office.
Reflecting on the eight years in which he has been involved in the negotiations for a peace treaty with Russia, Ambassador Kamizuki said, "The first half was a period of development in relations with Russia under then-Prime Minister Abe, but in the second half, the invasion of Ukraine put us to great challenges."
Ambassador Kamizuki described the invasion of Ukraine as "an outrageous act that shakes the foundations of the international order," condemned Russia, and stressed that Japan's response to continuing sanctions is natural when he met with Vice Foreign Minister Rudenko in charge of Japan and other countries on March 30.
On the other hand, he said, "Japan and Russia remain neighbors, and the human connection between the two countries will be an important foundation for building future relations."
He also emphasized that Japan intends to firmly maintain its policy of resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty.
Akira Muto, who has served as the director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Training Institute, will be appointed as the new ambassador to Russia, and is scheduled to take up his post early this month.