Japan Says Will Release Sanction List of Russian Citizens and Companies Soon

[undertaker-89]

Let's be pragmatic, as you know that Putin is still coming to Japan, I'm sure there will be some productive agreements.

Well, yes. I still think these "sanctions" rather dust in the face than something serious, but some things should be dealt with delicately. For example we won't solve Kuril problem this way, that's for sure.

 

[Aepsilons]

Well, yes. I still think these "sanctions" rather dust in the face than something serious, but some things should be dealt with delicately. For example we won't solve Kuril problem this way, that's for sure.

Absolutely, and we will have to continue with pragmatism. Afterall, Russia is not merely a neighbor in which we have territorial issues with, but is a major energy supplier. They are our 4th largest gas import source as well as many other energy needs. As I remember it members of the Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito Party have displayed keen interest in a $4.9 Billion natural gas pipeline project with Russia. Based on current plans, natural gas originating on Russia’s Sakhalin Island would be transported via the Sakhalin-Khabarovsk-Vladivostok pipeline where it will be processed into liquefied natural gas for Japan. I believe that such a mutually beneficial pact will be necessitate both Japan and Russia to "look past" any of our recent minor bans.

I also know that in my home prefecture of Hokkaido, the Subprefecture of Nemuro (to which the southern kurils once belonged to) are interested in forwarding joint plans to develop the Russian administered Southern Kurils, particularly interested in developing the infrastructure, energy demands, as well as defense. I'm sure we can engage the Russians on these.

Thanks.