Tokyo, Aug. 13 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi released a statement Thursday protesting Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to one of the four disputed northwestern Pacific islands claimed by Tokyo but controlled by Moscow. "The Northern Territories are an inherent part of our country's territory both historically and under international law, and the government of Japan makes a strong protest," Motegi said, referring to the Japanese name of the islands. Putin's visit to the island of Etorofu on Thursday came as a surprise, a Japanese government source said. A senior official of the prime minister's office said that Tokyo is confirming the facts of the matter and that it will respond appropriately based on the government's position. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]