Diplomatic tensions between Russia and Japan led to another summons following remarks concerning Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Japan’s ambassador to Moscow was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Speaking to journalists, Lavrov said the summons came after the Russian side learned how Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Japan’s foreign minister had characterized Russian President Putin’s visit. The Russian foreign minister also recalled that Russia had previously summoned Japan’s ambassador and conveyed a protest.
Japanese ambassador missed two meetings
According to Lavrov, the Japanese ambassador was not in Moscow or was not feeling well on Friday, August 14, and on Monday, August 17, when the meeting had been scheduled. The Japanese Embassy gave this as the reason, but Lavrov said the explanation was not clear to them.
The Russian minister said the ambassador was therefore unable to attend the meetings in question. Lavrov said the Japanese ambassador’s conduct had caused bewilderment at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov criticizes the ambassador’s activities
Lavrov said the Japanese ambassador, who is known for his energetic activities and arrived in Moscow several years ago, had held meetings with various people.
The Russian foreign minister also said that, shortly before, the ambassador had brought a business delegation to Russia without informing or obtaining the approval of the Russian Foreign Ministry in advance.