TOKYO (Sputnik) – The constructive participation of Russia is necessary to address the challenges faced by the international community, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday.
"The situation in North Korea, terrorism, Syria, Iran – for all these problems faced by the world community Russia’s constructive participation is important. Therefore, a dialogue with Russia, the political dialogue is necessary," the minister stressed.
Relations between the two countries became strained after Tokyo announced support for Western economic sanctions against Russia imposed in 2014 over an alleged interference in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, denied by Moscow.
Russia and Japan's relations have also been overshadowed by the Kuril Islands issue, which are controlled by Russia, but claimed by Japan.
