TOKYO, March 18. /ITAR-TASS/. Japan’s Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed his regret over Moscow’s decision to recognize the independence of Crimea and announced the introduction of sanctions against Russia. The foreign minister’s official statement says that sanctions include halting consultations on easing visa regime between the two countries and suspension of talks on investment cooperation, joint space exploration and prevention of dangerous military activity.

“Japan strongly insists that Russia strictly abides by international law, respects unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, withdraws the recognition of Crimea’s independence and does not start the process of Crimea’s annexation,” says the statement.

The foreign minister has also expressed “deep concern with the growing tension in eastern Ukraine.”