Japan-Ukraine Relations
Meeting between Prime Minister Abe and President of Ukraine Zelenskyy
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On October 21, commencing at 14:10 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, held a Summit Meeting with H.E. Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, who is visiting Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows. The meeting was attended on the Japanese side by Mr. OKADA Naoki, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Mr. KITAMURA Shigeru, Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat, Mr. HASEGAWA Eiichi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Public Relations Secretary, and others, and on the Ukrainian side by Mr. Serhiy Shefir, Chief Advisor to the President, H.E. Mr. Vadym Prystaiko, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Andriy Yermak, Advisor to the President, and others.
1. Opening remarks
Prime Minister Abe welcomed President Zelenskyy’s visit to Japan and stated, “It is a pleasure to hold the first meeting with President Zelenskyy,” and commended the President’s “efforts for improving the situation in Eastern Ukraine and for domestic reforms.” In response, President Zelenskyy expressed appreciation for his invitation to the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor.
2. Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Abe explained, “Japan is one of the largest donors to Ukraine”, and “intends to continue our support to the reform efforts of the Government of Ukraine.” Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe conveyed Japan’s intent to dispatch an IT survey mission to Ukraine. In response, President Zelenskyy appreciated Japan’s continuing supports since 2014, especially recent support for modernization of the Bortnychi Aeration Station, and stated expectation for support from Japan to proceed domestic reforms.
3. Situation in Ukraine
Regarding situation in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy provided explanation of the latest situation. The two leaders exchanged views on the issue.
4. International Situation
In Addition to the above, the two leaders exchanged views on the situation in East Asia, including North Korean issues. Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and supporting towards the early resolution of the abductions issue and received support from President Zelenskyy.