Japan cuts ties with Russia in one of sectors: Details
Illustrative photo: Japan has cut off cooperation with Russia in one area (GettyImages)
Japan has decided to close all six centers for technical support of reforms in Russia, established since 1994, the 47news website reports.
Tokyo announced the termination of all six Japanese centers created to provide technical support for socio-economic reforms in Russia. This was stated by Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi. The decision is linked to changes in bilateral relations and Moscow’s earlier suspension of the cooperation memorandum.
“This is a comprehensive decision, taking into account the significant changes being seen in the situation surrounding Russia and Japan-Russia relations,” Hayashi said.
Reasons for closure
According to the Minister, the centers had been operating since 1994 and contributed to developing contacts through educational programs, Japanese language courses, and business events. However, in January, the Russian government unilaterally terminated the memorandum governing the centers’ work. This became a key factor in the decision to shut them down.
Hayashi emphasized that an important factor in the decision to close the centers was the unilateral move by the Russian government in January to stop applying the relevant memorandum. He added that, given this decision and the continued lack of constructive cooperation from Russia, Tokyo once again expressed its condolences to the Russian side when notifying it of the closure.
Staff security concerns
In August, the Japanese center in Vladivostok was subjected to inspections by Russia’s Interior Ministry. According to the Minister, the checks involved questioning employees, which raised concerns in Tokyo.
Hayashi stated that the Japanese government was aware of inspections carried out by Russia’s Interior Ministry at the Vladivostok center on July 30 and August 26, which included questioning employees. He noted that Tokyo was strongly urging the Russian side to guarantee the physical safety of the center’s staff and was taking the necessary measures in response.
Japan officially informed Moscow through diplomatic channels about the closure of all centers, stressing that they had fulfilled their historical role.
At a press conference on September 5, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoshimasa Hayashi commented on French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement that 26 countries had agreed to send troops to support Ukraine.
Furthermore, from September 15 to 19, off the coasts of North Korea and Russia, the annual Freedom Edge trilateral military exercises will take place, involving the armed forces of South Korea, the United States, and Japan.
