Akira Muto, who was appointed as the new Russian ambassador in December last year, held a press conference for the first time since taking office, stating that sanctions against Russia should be maintained together with Western countries, but that mutual understanding is necessary for future Japan-Russia relations. He announced his policy to expand cultural exchange projects.
Ambassador Muto, who is stationed in Russia, held a press conference in Moscow on the 28th and stated, regarding Russia's protracted invasion of Ukraine, ``Japan and Western countries should maintain unity through sanctions against Russia.''
On the other hand, he said, ``It is only natural that we stick to our policy of resolving the territorial issue and concluding a peace treaty, and to that end, I believe it is necessary to seek mutual understanding through dialogue with Russia. In particular, cultural exchange and people-to-people exchanges, especially among young people, are important,'' he said, clarifying the government's policy to expand cultural exchange programs this year.
Among the cultural exchange projects that were suspended in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, acceptance of government-sponsored international students and young researchers has already resumed, but this year, new Japanese language teachers and learners will be invited to Japan. There are plans to hold exhibitions and movie screenings.
Regarding expanding exchange programs amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Ambassador Muto said, ``I think we should change our thinking about what we can do as the war continues to prolong.'' I emphasized the importance of going.