Russia’s Foreign Ministry has lodged a protest with Japan, after it protested Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan’s Northern Territories.
The Russian president visited Etorofu Island of the Northern Territories on Thursday. On the same day, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae stressed that the islands are an inherent territory of Japan in light of historical facts and based on international law. Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu summoned the Russian ambassador to lodge a strong protest.
On Tuesday, the Russian ministry summoned Japan’s Ambassador Muto Akira. It said Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin expressed a firm protest.
The ministry said the islands belong to Russia as a result of World War Two.
Muto did not respond to questions by Japanese and Russian reporters when he left the Foreign Ministry’s office. The Japanese Embassy in Russia said Muto appropriately explained Japan’s position on the matter.
Russia controls the four islands. Japan claims them.
The Japanese government says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.