The torch relay for the Olympic Games which was postponed to 2021 due to the corona virus pandemic began its 121-day journey at the J-Village National Training Center in Futaba, Japan’s northeastern Fukushima prefecture on Thursday. Azusa Iwashimizu who is a member of Japan’s winning team at the 2011 Women’s World Cup, became the first torchbearer. Some 10,000 torchbearers will run across the country.
Organizers warned spectators to avoid crowding along the roadside, wear masks, and avoid shouting or cheering because of the fear of spreading COVID-19. The postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are scheduled to start on 23 July 2021.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the recent peace talks in Istanbul have brought a new dimension to diplomatic efforts on Ukraine and proposed a leaders’ summit hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. “A summit with leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and the US could help achieve a long-term ceasefire,” he said.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Fidan emphasized Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic efforts, stating that President Erdoğan has been working actively since the war began. He added that talks in Istanbul on May 16 led to concrete results, including a prisoner swap.
Fidan shared insights from his prior visit to Moscow and said Russia is open to further talks on June 2. He stressed the importance of continuing momentum and involving international actors to build common ground for peace.
Fidan is also scheduled to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Andriy Yermak, Rustem Umerov, and representatives of the Crimean Tatar and Gagauz Turkish communities.
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