Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Discussed Ways to Enhance Cooperation Between the Two Countries

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya, who paid his first bilateral visit to Ukraine after the President expressed gratitude to Japan for its consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its substantial financial and humanitarian assistance, including a transfer of a new aid package for our energy sector.

“You have stood with us since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion; you have helped us. We highly appreciate the assistance that the Government and people of Japan have provided to Ukraine. Nearly USD 12 billion in total is the support for Ukraine throughout this war,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

The President additionally thanked for the allocation of USD 3 billion as a part of G7’s decision on a USD 50 billion loan, to be repaid using revenues from frozen Russian assets.

The President commended the close relations between Ukraine and Japan and expressed hope that the dialogue would continue at the same high level with the new Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba.

“In light of recent developments, with the North Korean military’s intervention in Russia’s war against Ukraine, it is important to discuss ways to prevent further escalation by Russia, this time together with North Korea,” he said.new Government was formed.

The Head of State particularly noted that Takeshi Iwaya had visited Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, including Bucha.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Takeshi Iwaya agreed to enhance the implementation of the bilateral security agreement signed on June 13 in Apulia.

Takeshi Iwaya noted that he had come to Ukraine to demonstrate the unchanged position: Japan stands and will stand with Ukraine. He also stressed that he supports strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries for the sake of security.

Other topics of discussion included Japan’s support for the Peace Formula and its continued leadership in implementing the point on nuclear safety, the expansion of economic and humanitarian cooperation, and the continuation and strengthening of sanctions against Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy also extended an invitation to the Prime Minister of Japan to visit Ukraine.