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Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Lavrov: Russia, Japan not seeking tensions in Northeast Asia

The Russian top diplomat reminded that president Vladimir Putin has called for the need to develop the Russian-Japanese relations both at the bilateral level and on the international arena

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting with Japan’s former foreign minister, Masahiko Komura Sergei Savostyanov/TASS

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the meeting with Japan’s former foreign minister, Masahiko Komura

© Sergei Savostyanov/TASS

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Japanese PM speaks for continuation of dialogue with Russia at top level

MOSCOW, January 12. /TASS/. Russia and Japan are not interested in heating up tensions in Northeast Asia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at the meeting with Japan’s former foreign minister, Masahiko Komura, on Tuesday.

"I would like to hear your opinion on the North Korean nuclear test and the issue on the fight against international terrorism," the Russian top diplomat said. "We will certainly share our assessments with you," Lavrov added.

"I’m sure neither Russia nor Japan is interested in whipping up tensions in this region," he said.

"Like our Japanese neighbors, we want this region of the world to be stable and to allow every state to be calm for its security and to create the best possible conditions for advancing trade and economic, investment and other ties, and this is the direct interest of Russia and Japan," Lavrov said.

Lavrov reminded that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for the need to develop the Russian-Japanese relations both at the bilateral level and on the international arena.

"We expect that our Japanese colleagues are ready for the same open dialogue with Russia without artificial restrictions in all the spheres what will create possibilities for solving all the issues currently on the agenda of our relations," he said.

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Foreign policy Sergey Lavrov North Korea Japan Situation on the Korean Peninsula

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