Russia has prepared a joint project by Japan on the South Kuril Islands, which can only be exercised on the conditions of the Russian legislation. As reported by RIA Novosti, said Russian Deputy foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in the first round of talks on joint economic activities.
“A package of proposals covering a wide range relevant for the economic development of the South Kuril Islands areas and is aimed at joint implementation of large-scale and economically important projects. And, of course, we believe that these projects can be implemented only on the conditions of the Russian legislation”, — he said.
The first consultations on joint economic activities on southern Kuril Islands between Russia and Japan held in Tokyo on Saturday, March 18. The Russian side on them is Morgulov and Japanese Deputy foreign Minister Takeo Akiba.
The document on the beginning of consultations on joint economic activities on the Kuril Islands was agreed in December last year during the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Japan. In January 2017, Russia has prepared proposals on the issue of joint use by Moscow and Tokyo lands in the South Kuril Islands.
Russian sovereignty over the southern part of the Kuril ridge — Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai — is disputed by Japan. These territories were ceded to the USSR after the Second world war. The question of ownership of Islands is one of the most acute in bilateral relations. Largely because of this territorial dispute for more than 60 years cannot sign a peace Treaty with Tokyo.