The 7th is Northern Territories Day. Foreign Minister Kamikawa maintained the policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty with Russia, and emphasized his intention to resume exchange activities as soon as possible.
The 7th is Northern Territories Day, commemorating the treaty signed with Russia on February 7, 1855, making the four northern islands part of Japan's territory.
Prior to this, Foreign Minister Kamikawa said at a press conference, ``The Northern Territories are Japan's inherent territory.Russia's occupation of the Northern Territories has no legal basis and is illegally occupied, which is unacceptable.'' No,” he said.
``After the invasion of Ukraine began, Russia unilaterally announced that it had no intention of continuing negotiations regarding a peace treaty due to Japan's sanctions against Russia, etc., and unfortunately, it is currently unable to say anything concrete about peace treaty negotiations.'' "Although we are not in a situation where this is possible, the government remains firmly committed to resolving the Northern Territories issue and concluding a peace treaty."
In addition, he expressed his intention to continue requesting that Russia resume early on exchange activities such as grave visits by former island residents.