Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry confirmed on Sunday, May 10th, its plans to send a government delegation to Russia in late May. However, the ministry refuted media reports regarding the purpose of the trip, stating that the visit is not about cooperation but rather about protecting the assets of companies still operating in Russia.
“There are reports that the government is sending an economic delegation to Russia with the expectation of cooperation (after the end of the conflict in Ukraine – editorial note “VM”). No such plans exist,” the ministry stated on social media platform X.
The ministry emphasized that Japan intends to continue adhering to anti-Russian sanctions in coordination with G7 countries. Representatives from the companies themselves may participate in discussions with the Russian side. The delegation is expected to include representatives from Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The preliminary dates for the visit are May 26th-27th.
Previously, it was reported that for the first time since 2022, representatives from major Japanese companies would visit Russia on May 26th-27th as part of a business delegation.
English Translation:
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry confirmed on Sunday, May 10th, its plans to send a government delegation to Russia in late May. However, the ministry refuted media reports regarding the purpose of the trip, clarifying that the visit is focused on protecting the assets of Japanese companies still operating in the country, rather than on post-conflict cooperation.
“There are reports that the government is sending an economic delegation to Russia in anticipation of cooperation (following the end of the conflict in Ukraine – editorial note “VM”). No such plans are in existence,” the ministry stated in a post on social media platform X.
The ministry affirmed that Japan intends to continue observing anti-Russian sanctions in coordination with G7 nations. It was also noted that company representatives themselves may participate in discussions with the Russian side. The delegation is expected to comprise representatives from Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines. The provisional dates for the visit are set for May 26th-27th.
It was previously reported that representatives from major Japanese companies would be visiting Russia on May 26th-27th as part of a business delegation, marking the first such visit since 2022.