Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Q&As
 
REPORTER: The inauguration ceremony for President Putin of Russia will be held today, and the President will be sworn in for his fourth term. Could you please share the comments of the Government? In addition, could you explain once again how the Government will address the Northern Territories issue and the issue of concluding a peace treaty?
 
CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, we are aware that President Putin will be formally sworn into office in an inauguration ceremony to be held at 6 pm today, Japan time. Both Japan and Russia are major countries in the Asia-Pacific region and important partners. It is also vital for the stability and development of the region that the two countries build stable relations and deepen their cooperation. Following the inauguration of President Putin, the Government will continue to further promote the cooperative relations to develop the Japan-Russia relationship. We believe, from a future-oriented concept that sets out a future vision for the Four Northern Islands and seeks solutions acceptable to both sides within that, the resolution of the Northern Territories issue and the conclusion of a peace treaty can be achieved. Under the basic policy of resolving the issue of the attribution of the Four Northern Islands and concluding a peace treaty, we will continue to engage persistently in the negotiations with Russia following the inauguration of President Putin.