Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Photo: VCG

Russia insists that Japan recognize the outcomes of the World War II, and that Tokyo take full responsibility for the role it played in unleashing the global conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the organizers and participants of a solemn meeting on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory over militaristic Japan and the end of World War II (WWII), TASS reported Friday.

"The results of the World War II in the Pacific, including the Japanese Surrender Act, were an integral part of the post-war Yalta-Potsdam world order. We strongly urge the Japanese authorities to fully recognize the international legal consequences of the victory of the Allied States, as well as their share of responsibility for unleashing the global conflict. Together with our like-minded people, we will continue diverse educational and war memorial activities aimed at identifying new evidence of official Tokyo's crimes in the 1930s and 40s," Lavrov said in a greeting posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website, according to TASS.

The grandiose victory parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of victory in Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War in the presence of the president of Russia, the president of the People's Republic of China, the president of the State Affairs of the DPRK as well as the leaders of many other countries of the world became a vivid embodiment of the enduring essence of strong bonds of friendship, hardened on the battlefields 80 years ago, Lavrov said, according to TASS.

Lavrov said that the feat of Soviet soldiers and commanders has "a worldwide historical significance." The minister also noted that as a sign of the revival of traditions and strengthening of historical memory, Russia has again marked Victory Day over militarist Japan as an official national holiday, the report said.

"It is our sacred duty to remember the lessons of the World War, this greatest tragedy of all mankind, and to do everything to prevent its recurrence," he concluded, TASS reported.

According to Chinese Embassy in Russia on Thursday, the Russian committee for commemorating the victory over militarist Japan held Wednesday a commemorative event to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. 

Zhang Wei, the Chargé d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Russia, attended the event and delivered speeches. Nearly 1,000 participants included representatives from the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, World War II veterans, military academy cadets, and diplomats from over 20 countries. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov sent a congratulatory letter to the event.

Zhang stated that the Chinese and Russian leaders jointly attended the commemorative event in Tian'anmen Square, Beijing, on Wednesday, which demonstrated to the world that China and Russia, as major victors of WWII, will steadfastly defend the achievements of the victory and uphold international fairness and justice. In the face of a complex international situation and various risks and challenges, China and Russia will unite with countries of the Global South, adhere to true multilateralism, and work together to promote the international order toward a more just and equitable direction, jointly safeguarding world peace and development, and contributing to the unity and progress of human society, according to a press release by the Chinese Embassy in Russia.

Russian attendees highly praised the significant historical contributions made by China and the Soviet Union in jointly resisting aggression during the War of Resistance, which played an indelible role in achieving the final victory in the World Anti-Fascist War. They expressed their best wishes for the active development of China-Russia relations, the inheritance of the two countries' combat friendship, the promotion of a correct historical perspective on WWII, and the maintenance of world peace and justice, according to the embassy.