Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has pledged his country’s long-term engagement in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
He called it a future investment and stressed Japan’s commitment to supporting the war-torn country ahead of the two-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
In his speech at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction, Kishida averred that Japanese public and private cooperation will be a long-term partnership based on inclusivity, humanitarianism as well as technology and knowledge.
Kishida stressed the importance of investment across industries for the future of the country’s development and ensuring that the support caters to Ukraine’s needs.
Fifty-six cooperation deals were signed by Japanese and Ukrainian government agencies and companies, and Kishida announced an opening of a new government trade office in Kyiv.
Support for Ukraine’s reconstruction is about “investing in the future,” Kishida said.
“The war in Ukraine is still going on at this very moment and the situation is not easy. The promotion of economic reconstruction, however, is not only an investment for the future of Ukraine but also investing in Japan and the whole globe.”
Fumio Kishida
The Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Japan, Denys Shmyhal and Fumio Kishida, discussed bilateral cooperation, the restoration of Ukraine and the liberalization of visa regime for Ukrainian citizens, including business representatives, to ensure the growth of trade between the two countries.
Japan hopes to build momentum for global support for Ukraine as the war drags on and attention has diverted to the conflict in Gaza.
Japan’s focus on reconstruction — in part due to its legal restraints on providing lethal weapons — contrasts with many Western countries, whose largely military support faces increasing scrutiny over costs.
A new U.S. aid package to Ukraine is stalled in the Congress.
A New Start Of Cooperation
Ukraine’s Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, expressed thanks for the encouragement and said that “today is the new start of cooperation between the two countries.”
“By combining our powers … we can change this challenge into an opportunity for future growth and prosperity,” he said.
He added, “Japan’s experiences in reconstruction (from World War II) and its economic miracle provide us with inspiration.”
“Ukraine could benefit greatly from Japanese technologies, innovations, and experience in rebuilding after war and natural disasters,” Shmyhal said.
Also, Shmyhal said that Ukraine’s reconstruction goes far beyond removal of landmines and debris.
He emphasized his country’s strength in farming, rich natural resources and ambition to be a digital hub of Europe with its information and cybersecurity expertise. He also urged Japanese automakers to open factories in Ukraine.
“Japan has already shown leadership in financial support to Ukraine. Now, Japan should become one of the leaders of Ukrainian recovery and investment in our economy,” Shmyhal said.
He recalled that before the full-scale war, Ukraine and Japan had a positive trade turnover growth rate of +25% per year.
“We aim to resume active trade relations. Ukrainian producers and exporters require new markets in Asia to enhance the sustainability of our economy,” the Ukrainian Prime Minister noted.
“This will also provide Japanese businessmen with new opportunities on the European continent by utilizing Ukraine for logistics purposes,” he stressed.
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