TOKYO, May 8. /TASS/. The Japanese government plans to send an economic mission to Russia on May 26-27, the Kyodo news agency reported, citing unnamed sources.
According to the media outlet, companies such as Mitsui, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Mitsubishi may join the delegation, led by the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
On April 2, Kyodo reported, citing sources, that Tokyo planned to send a delegation to Russia in May, inviting major companies, including Mitsubishi, Mitsui and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, to participate in the mission. The report said the plan was in the works based on the possibility for Japanese businesses to resume operations in Russia once the conflict in Ukraine was over. According to the news agency, the potential visit could also address Russian oil purchases.
Meanwhile, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara denied the report. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also said in response to a TASS question that it was untrue.
However, the Kyodo agency once again reported plans for such a mission, specifying its dates and information on the participation of officials from the Ministry of Economy, after Japanese parliament member Muneo Suzuki, who represents the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, visited Russia. Besides, TASS learned that in early May, the Japanese company Taiyo Oil had purchased a batch of Russian oil, the first in a year. After delivering the oil batch to a company facility on Shikoku Island, the Voyager tanker headed to the Tokyo region and, according to a TASS correspondent, arrived in Tokyo Bay on May 8. Notably, the area hosts refineries belonging to a number of Japanese oil companies, including Idemitsu.