Goshkevich Exhibition Offers New Perspective on Russia–Japan Dialogue: Lavrov

Tokyo, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that there remain strong advocates in Japan for constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia.

In a message to the organisers and guests of an exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of the death of Iosif Goshkevich, the first diplomatic representative of the Russian Empire to Japan, Lavrov expressed confidence that the historical spirit of cooperation between the two countries would not be undermined by short-term political considerations.

The exhibition, held at the Russian Embassy in Tokyo, brought together representatives from Russia and Belarus, members of the Russian community in Japan, Japanese citizens and foreign guests.

Lavrov described Goshkevich, who was born in present-day Belarus, as an outstanding orientalist and skilled diplomat whose work made an important contribution to the establishment and development of official relations between Russia and Japan.

Fluent in Japanese, Goshkevich worked consistently to build trust between the two countries. His diplomatic and scholarly legacy remains significant, particularly his contribution to Japanese studies and to the preparation of an early Japanese–Russian dictionary.

In 1858, Goshkevich headed the first Russian consular mission in Hakodate, in Japan’s Hokkaido Prefecture. Lavrov noted that local residents, civil society organisations and regional institutions in Hokkaido continue to preserve the shared historical legacy associated with his work.

He praised the efforts of Japanese civil society in maintaining traditions of mutual respect and good-neighbourly relations. Lavrov said he was aware of committed supporters in Japan who favour constructive engagement and mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia, adding that he believed such views would remain resilient despite changing political circumstances.

According to Lavrov, the exhibition is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the past and encourage a fresh assessment of the main stages in the relations between Russia and Belarus, on the one hand, and Japan, on the other.

He also said the event would help attract wider public and scholarly interest while highlighting the cultural and spiritual unity of the peoples of the Russia–Belarus Union State.

Lavrov concluded by extending his best wishes to all those attending the exhibition at the Russian Embassy in Tokyo.