Putin Visits Japan-Claimed Western Pacific Island for 1st Time
Tokyo, Aug. 13 (Jiji Press)--Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first visit to one of four Russian-held western Pacific islands that Japan calls its Northern Territories on Thursday, according to reports from Russia's state-run Tass news agency and other media. Putin toured a fish processing plant on Etorofu with Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko, who effectively oversees the...
Tokyo, August 13 - Russian President Vladimir Putin paid his first visit to one of the disputed western Pacific islands claimed by Japan, according to Russian state news and other outlets. Putin's tour of Etorofu Island aimed to signal to Japan about Russia's sanctions and assert Moscow's control over the four islands in question.
In 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was the first head of state to visit the contested territory, followed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and others in subsequent years. During his visit to Etorofu Island, Putin toured a local hospital and fish processing plant alongside Sakhalin Region Governor Valery Limarenko, who manages the islands on behalf of the Russian government.
The president tasted local salmon roe during his stay. Putin reportedly mingled with residents near a school, noting the island's similarity to a resort. Local residents pointed out the rarity of pleasant weather on the island, comparing it to an organized event for the president's arrival.
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