Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized Japan for its remarks about Vladimir Putin's trip to the Kuril Islands and said the ambassador had been summoned to Moscow, as reported by NUR.KZ citing RIA Novosti. This was reported by infohub.kz.
Lavrov condemned Tokyo's criticism of the Russian president over his visit to Iturup Island. "Our Japanese colleagues, our neighbors, have certainly crossed the line of decency with their absolutely unacceptable statements that the president cannot visit any part of Russian territory," Lavrov said at a press conference.
He urged the Japanese leadership to "focus on internal affairs instead of attacking Moscow." According to him, Tokyo is "trying to reshape international law to suit itself and the United States, evade historical responsibility, and is violating its own constitution."
"The three non-nuclear principles, an army that is already trying to conduct activities abroad, which was prohibited by the constitution until now. This, of course, causes great concern," Lavrov added.
He also said that the Russian Foreign Ministry had summoned Japan's ambassador to Moscow, Akira Muto. The minister noted that the diplomat should come to Smolenskaya Square so that "he can be explained how to conduct his work."