Ayano Kunimitsu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, in a video address to the participants of the IV Ukraine–Japan Forum, spoke about Japan’s comprehensive support for Ukraine during the war, including financial, humanitarian, and defense assistance, as well as cooperation in the areas of security, energy, and reconstruction:

It will soon be four years since the beginning of the Russians’ aggression against Ukraine, an outrageous act that shakes the very foundation of the international order.

Throughout this period, I have been deeply impressed by the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people who have stood united against Russia’s and President Zelenskyy’s leadership.

From the outset of the invasion, Japan has maintained its position of standing with Ukraine and has been working with the international community towards the realization of just and lasting peace. Prime Minister Takaichi‘s attendance at the online summit meeting of the Coalition of the Willings held last October is an example of concrete action. Japan announced and implemented support for Ukraine, totaling approximately 20 billion U.S. dollars to date.

This assistance not only addresses urgent needs in finance and energy, but also covers a broad range of projects, including debris removal, rebuilding livelihood, promoting agricultural culture and industry, and strengthening democracy.

Regarding the humanitarian demand, in particular, Japan hosted the Ukraine Mine Action Conference last October, leading the international community toward achieving faster, safer, and more sustainable mine action.

Japan will continue to support recovery and reconstruction efforts in collaboration with both the public and private sectors. The Russian aggression against Ukraine has starkly underscored the inseparable nature of security in Europe and the Atlantic and that in the Indo-Pacific region. 

Amid a persistently challenging global security environment, I consider it highly significant that security experts from both countries reaffirmed the importance of the rule-based order. Furthermore, as relations between our countries are becoming closer, I believe the exchange of views among experts is also valuable for broadening and deepening the scope of our cooperation. 

Finally, regarding the future of Ukraine, I am sure that the will of the Ukrainian people should be fully respected. As State Minister for Foreign Affairs, I myself have had the opportunity to hear the views of deputies of the Ukraine’s Parliament and other guests visiting Japan as much as possible. I believe today’s forum will also provide a valuable opportunity for Japanese participants to understand Ukraine’s perspective.

Video recordings of the forum are available in Ukrainian and English.

Photo report is here.

Mediapartner: Ukrinform.

Photo credit by Illia Nosyk