Japan intends to conclude a peace treaty with Russia

Japan considers the absence of a peace treaty with Russia a regrettable fact. This was stated by the head of the Japanese government, Shigeru Ishiba, in his video message to the participants of the nationwide rally for the return of the northern territories, TASS reports.

"It is regrettable that even now, 80 years after the end of the war, the issue of the northern territories has not been resolved, and between Japan and Russia has not signed a peace treaty," he said.

Ishiba added that the Japanese government is committed to solving the problem of ownership of the four northern islands and concluding a peace treaty. However, according to him, due to a special military operation on Ukraine "the situation in relations between Japan and Russia is still heavy."

Today in Tokyo is hosting a so-called nationwide rally for the return of the northern territories. By decision of the Japanese government, such rallies are held annually on February 7 in memory of the first Russian-Japanese treaty signed on that day in 1855. They are traditionally attended by ministers, members of parliament from the ruling and opposition parties, former residents of the southern part of the Kuril Islands.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya are absent from the rally this time, as they went on an official visit to the United States on February 6.