More than strange: The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs took Lavrov's nod for a meaningful conversation

The Russian side has never shied away from contacts, but it is more than strange to pass off Sergey Lavrov's nod as a "meaningful conversation". This was stated by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

So she commented on the statement of Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegio that during a conversation with Sergey Lavrov in Manila, he allegedly discussed a broad agenda with him and almost held talks.

Zakharova noted that she witnessed the conversation. According to her, Lavrov, as soon as he entered the hall where the gala dinner was held, was immediately surrounded by colleagues who participated in ASEAN events, after which everyone took their seats.

"I was extremely surprised by the comments of the Japanese Foreign Minister and his interpretation of the events: Allegedly, in Manila, he had a conversation with Lavrov on a number of important issues. I'm telling you how it really was. 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's all," Zakharova writes in her telegram channel.

There was no discussion of international affairs, regional agenda or bilateral relations, the diplomat stressed.

"The Russian side has never shied away from contacts, but it is more than strange to give a nod and a phrase of the Russian minister for a "meaningful conversation"," Zakharova summed up.

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