Independent Upper House lawmaker Muneo Suzuki has once again defied the central government by traveling to Moscow for talks with senior Russian officials. Suzuki met with the deputy head of the Russian fisheries agency, Andrei Yakovlev, to discuss permission for Japanese fishing fleets to harvest kelp in the waters near the Habomai islets. Russia had suspended permission for harvesting kelp due to lighthouse repairs.
Next, Suzuki planned to meet with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin to discuss allowing ancestral grave visits by former residents of Russian-held islands claimed by Japan. These islands include Habomai, Shikotan, Kunashiri, and Etorofu. Suzuki’s independent actions highlight his determination to address important issues related to Japan-Russia relations.
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