特区構想「日本の立場と相いれず」　茂木氏、ロシア外相に伝達

　茂木敏充外相は２３日午後（日本時間２４日未明）、訪問先の米ニューヨークでロシアのラブロフ外相と会談した。ラブロフ氏は、プーチン大統領が先に表明した北方領土での関税免除特区創設について言及。茂木氏は「わが国の立場と相いれない」とする日本側の立場を伝えた。
　茂木氏は、北方四島での共同経済活動は日本の法的立場を害さない形で実施したいと指摘。「平和条約締結問題を含め、日ロ関係を互恵的に進展させていく方針だ」とも語った。両氏は、議論を継続することで一致した。（2021/09/24-08:04）

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, on Thursday that the Russia-proposed tariff-free special economic zone on the islands at the center of the bilateral territorial dispute conflicts with Japan's position.
   Motegi made the remarks during his talks with Lavrov in New York. The tariff-free zone on the four northwestern Pacific islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan, has been proposed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
   Motegi noted that Japan wants joint economic activities on the islands to be conducted in a way that does not damage its legal position.
   He also said that Japan plans to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with Russia, including on the conclusion of a World War II peace treaty.
   Motegi and Lavrov agreed to continue related discussions.