South Korea expressed concern Friday to Russia and Japan over the two countries' move to sign an agreement barring other countries from fishing in waters around Russian-held islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan.
Han Seung Soo, foreign affairs and trade minister, summoned Teymuraz Ramishvili, Russian ambassador to South Korea, to his office to convey Seoul's concern about the issue.
Han told the Russian envoy it is "disappointing and regrettable" that Russia and Japan are trying to prevent countries such as South Korea from fishing in the waters around the disputed islands.
"It is worrying that the (South) Korean people's sentiment is becoming worse and trust in Russia may be eroded," Yonhap News Agency quoted Han as saying.