Overview
- Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan seeks a treaty only after settling ownership of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and the Habomai islets.
- He acknowledged there is currently no prospect for progress in negotiations with Moscow.
- Tokyo labeled the resumption of visits by former Japanese residents to tend graves on the islands as a top humanitarian priority.
- Russia previously halted peace-treaty consultations, joint economic talks and former residents’ visits after Japan imposed sanctions over the Ukraine conflict.
- Japan will continue support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia, while Moscow maintains its sovereignty over the islands is not in doubt.