Zakharova denied reports of talks between Lavrov and the Japanese Foreign Minister in Manila

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi exchanged only brief greetings on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) events in Manila, and there was no discussion of international affairs or bilateral relations between them. This was announced on July 25 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova.

The diplomat expressed surprise at the interpretation of events by the Japanese minister, who announced a full-fledged conversation with his Russian counterpart on a number of important issues. According to Zakharova, when Lavrov entered the hall, he was surrounded by the heads of foreign ministries, after which everyone took their seats.

"The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs approached Lavrov, who was sitting at the table, greeted him and said some words of greeting. Sergey Viktorovich, without getting up, half-turned, answered with a protocol phrase. That is all. There was no discussion of international affairs, the regional agenda or bilateral relations," she wrote on the Telegram channel.

The representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that Moscow has never shied away from contacts, however, "attempts to pass off a routine phrase and a nod in return for a meaningful dialogue" look unjustified.

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Motagi said on July 23 that he allegedly had a brief conversation with Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN in Manila. The diplomat also added that in the future Tokyo plans to build cooperation with Moscow based on its own national interests.