TOKYO (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st April, 2023) Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura on Friday refrained from answering a question about a complete ban on exports to Russia, which is allegedly being discussed before the summit of the Group of Seven (G7) in Hiroshima in May.
"This question involves diplomatic negotiations; I would like to refrain from commenting," Nishimura said, as quoted by Japanese news agency Kyodo.
Bloomberg reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the United States and other G7 allies of Ukraine were weighing a possible move to ban most exports to Russia.
The strategy would flip the current sanctions regime around to ban all exports unless they are given a special exemption, according to the report. Items such as medicines and agricultural products, including food, would likely be given exemptions under the scheme. G7 officials could endorse the move at their next summit in Japan in May, and they hope to convince member states of the European Union to join the effort, according to the report.
