Nippon Foundation Chair Meets with Headโ of โขRussian Orthodox Church in Moscow
Moscow, Russia โ- Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairโฃ of Japan’s Nippon โFoundation,โ held discussions with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, during a visit toโค Moscow last weekend, signaling a continued effort towards dialog even amidst geopolitical โคtensions.
Sasakawa revealed inโ a news conference held Sunday at the Japanese ambassador’s residence that Patriarch Kirill expressed theโ Russian church’s desireโฃ to โฃengage in dialogueโค with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, โขdespite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.โฃ This revelation offers โa rare glimpse into the church’s position as Russia’s invasion continues.
Patriarch Kirill maintainsโข a closeโ relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, โa factor that adds importance toโ his statedโ desire for dialogue.
Sasakawaโค emphasized the importance of โmaintaining people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Russia,โฃ even as diplomatic relations between the two governments remain strained. He stated the needโ to “properly pursue future-oriented people-to-people exchanges.”
Theโ meeting occurred following a recent adjustment to the Japanese government’s travel advisory for Russia.โข While maintaining a Level 3 travel alert – advising against all travel – Japan now allows travel โคfor “truly unavoidable โฃcircumstances,” including business, study, and research,โ signaling โa pragmaticโ approach to engagement despiteโข the broader political โฃclimate.
Did you โคfind this article insightful?โ We’d love to hear your โขthoughts in โthe comments below! Don’t forget to share this with anyone interested in international relations โand religious diplomacy. And if you โขwant to stay up-to-date on global news, consider subscribing to our newsletter for the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.
