Nippon Foundation Chair Meets with Head​ of ⁢Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow

Moscow, Russia ​- Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chair⁣ of Japan’s Nippon ‍Foundation,​ held discussions with Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, during a visit to⁤ Moscow last weekend, signaling a continued effort towards dialog even amidst geopolitical ⁤tensions.

Sasakawa revealed in‌ a news conference held Sunday at the Japanese ambassador’s residence that Patriarch Kirill expressed the‌ Russian church’s desire⁣ to ⁣engage in dialogue⁤ with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, ⁢despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.⁣ This revelation offers ​a rare glimpse into the church’s position as Russia’s invasion continues.

Patriarch Kirill maintains⁢ a close‌ relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, ‍a factor that adds importance to‌ his stated‌ desire for dialogue.

Sasakawa⁤ emphasized the importance of ‍maintaining people-to-people exchanges between Japan and Russia,⁣ even as diplomatic relations between the two governments remain strained. He stated the need‍ to “properly pursue future-oriented people-to-people exchanges.”

The‍ meeting occurred following a recent adjustment to the Japanese government’s travel advisory for Russia.⁢ While maintaining a Level 3 travel alert – advising against all travel – Japan now allows travel ⁤for “truly unavoidable ⁣circumstances,” including business, study, and research,​ signaling ​a pragmatic‍ approach to engagement despite⁢ the broader political ⁣climate.