Devendra Kumar
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has emphasized the importance of economic stability in Ukraine, pledging to help rebuild the war-torn country once the Russian invasion comes to an end. Speaking at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction, Kishida stressed that assistance from both public and private sectors is necessary to achieve Ukraine’s goals. The conference aimed to rally international support for Ukraine and promote economic reconstruction, marking the anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
Kishida acknowledged that the war in Ukraine is ongoing and the situation is challenging, but emphasized that promoting economic reconstruction is crucial not only for Ukraine’s future but also for Japan and the global economy. He emphasized the need for Japan to advocate against Russia’s invasion and one-sided changes to the status quo, and to demonstrate its solidarity with Ukraine in its own unique way.
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal praised the new deals signed at the conference, calling it the “start of cooperation between the two countries.” Shmyhal highlighted that Ukraine is not only rebuilding but also generating new rules and approaches, and that the world must stand against dictators and potential invaders who violate international law.
Japan has already provided significant financial assistance to Ukraine, with a total of 12.1 billion dollars over the past two years, primarily in the form of financial and humanitarian aid. The country’s military equipment provisions are limited to non-lethal weapons. Kishida and Shmyhal also discussed an intelligence agreement, as Japan seeks to reinforce its national security by strengthening defense ties with Ukraine.
At the joint news conference, Kishida reiterated his commitment to standing by Ukraine until it attains peace, announcing that Japan and Ukraine would discuss the intelligence agreement further. The Japanese government hopes to link the Tokyo conference to a separate Ukraine reconstruction conference in Germany in June, in cooperation with other Group of Seven members. Throughout the conference, both leaders emphasized the importance of solidarity and international cooperation in rebuilding Ukraine and addressing the global implications of Russia’s invasion.
Kishida stressed that Japan recognizes Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and is determined to support the country’s efforts to rebuild and recover. He emphasized the need for the international community to work together to prevent future invasions and promote peace and stability. Shmyhal, in turn, thanked Kishida for Japan’s support and praised the country’s commitment to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The Japan-Ukraine Conference has sent a strong message that the international community is united in condemning Russia’s invasion and is committed to supporting Ukraine in its efforts to rebuild and recover. The conference has also strengthened the bond between Japan and Ukraine, and has highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global implications of Russia’s invasion.