Russian Foreign Ministry warns of tough reaction to Japan's hostile moves

Russia is forced to continue its tough reaction to Japan's anti-Russian moves. This was stated by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko on November 24.

"Unfortunately, the Japanese government's reaction to the president's words once again demonstrated Japan's lack of intention to change anything in a positive direction. Under such conditions, we will be forced to continue to react harshly to anti-Russian steps, guided solely by our own national interests," he emphasized in a conversation with TASS.

However, Rudenko added that Russia is always ready for normalization of relations and resumption of mutually beneficial cooperation on condition of "real and backed by practical steps official rejection of Tokyo's unfriendly policy."

During a speech at a meeting of the Valdai International Discussion Club on Nov. 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin devoted considerable space to Japan and bilateral relations. He noted that Moscow is ready for the return of Japanese companies, and Tokyo should establish new diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.

In response, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya called the statement "somewhat positive." At the same time, he said that the country will continue to impose anti-Russian sanctions as long as the situation in Ukraine persists.

Later, on November 9, Japanese politician and member of the upper house of parliament Muneo Suzuki promised to work with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Takeshi Iwaya and convey to them the message sent by President Putin during the Valdai Club meeting.