"Just a Tap on the Shoulder and a Handshake"... Russian Foreign Minister Dismisses Japan's Claim of 'Regional Talks'

According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun on August 16, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has categorically denied Japan's claim that he discussed "bilateral relations" with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi in July.

Sergey Lavrov, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

This statement drew attention as it came immediately after a new round of tensions between Japan and Russia following Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to the Kuril Islands (referred to by Japan as the Northern Territories).

Foreign Minister Motegi and Minister Lavrov both attended the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in Manila, Philippines, in July. During the event, Motegi told local reporters that he had a brief conversation with Lavrov. He explained that during a dinner hosted by the Philippine Foreign Minister, he encountered Lavrov and exchanged greetings, saying, "Since we have known each other for a long time, we talked about bilateral relations and the regional situation."

This meeting drew attention as it was the first direct contact and conversation between the Japanese and Russian foreign ministers since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

However, according to the Asahi, in an interview broadcast on Russian state TV on August 14, Minister Lavrov said he was "surprised" by Motegi's remarks and disputed that such a discussion had taken place. Lavrov explained that during the dinner, with all participants seated, he suddenly felt someone tap on his shoulder from behind and turned to find Motegi, who greeted him by saying how pleased he was to meet him. Lavrov added that he "didn't even have a chance to stand up" and said, "We shook hands, and then he returned to his seat. Is that what it means to discuss bilateral relations or the regional situation?" the Asahi reported, noting Lavrov's sarcastic tone.

Regarding former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Lavrov said, "He was truly a proper politician who understood that it would be impossible to secure national interests without cooperation with Russia," but went on to criticize subsequent Japanese administrations, saying, "However, his successors now believe they must work with the United States and have begun Japan's militarization in order to secure national interests."

Lavrov's interview was given right after President Putin’s surprise visit on August 13 to the Kuril Islands, an area disputed between Japan and Russia, which reignited bilateral tensions. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated, "The Northern Territories are inherently Japanese territory both historically and under international law, and we strongly protest this visit." Reports indicate that Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently considering additional response measures, including enhancing sanctions against Russia.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.