The countries have suspended the negotiations

On Tuesday, March 18, the Japanese government passed a decision on suspension of the negotiations carried out with Russian officials due to illegal actions of the latter on the territory of Crimea. Both states were to discuss simplification of the visa regime as well as other matters relating to investments, space exploration and military collaboration, The State says.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Fumio Kishida said Japan did not recognize the outcome of the referendum held in Crimea and the declaration of independence. The politician believes this is the violation of the Ukrainian constitution. Mr.Kishida called Russia to observe the requirements set forth in the international laws, to renounce recognition of the Crimea’s independence and cease joining Crimea to the Russian Federation.

The Japanese sanctions have not materially affected Russia so far as compared with the restrictions enforced by Europe and the US. The heads of the European and American governments decided to freeze assets that belong to those connected with civil unrest and disorders in Crimea. 

The relationships between Russia and Japan have remained strained over a few of decades due to unsettled territorial issues. This obstacle hindered signing of the peace treaty after the World War II; the countries are agreed on armistice as far as Japan is still disputing that the Southern Kuril Islands belong to Russia. It was last month when Prime-Minister of Japan Sindzo Abe said the countries were conducting the negotiations to facilitate signing of this agreement.