Japan-Ukraine Relations
Courtesy Call on President Zelenskyy of Ukraine by Foreign Minister Hayashi
September 9, 2023
On September 9, commencing at 1:25 p.m. local time (same day, 7:25 p.m. JST) for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Ukraine, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Volodymyr ZELENSKYY, President of Ukraine, together with accompanying representatives of business sectors. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi mentioned the Japan-Ukraine Summit Meeting in Hiroshima, and stated that he would continue to make utmost efforts to ensure that the G7 remain united to show leadership in the international community with strict sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine. In response, President Zelenskyy welcomed Minister Hayashi's visit and expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance to Ukraine.
- Minister Hayashi stated that, based on the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine issued by the G7 and Ukraine at the NATO Summit Meeting in July, the Japanese side is now ready to start negotiations on the bilateral document. They concurred on starting negotiations for the bilateral document and Minister Hayashi stated that the Japanese side would like to advance coordination to hold the first round of consultations as soon as possible.
- Minister Hayashi expressed his respect for President Zelenskyy's strong initiative for the Peace Formula, including holding the two National Security Advisor level meetings based on the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit. Minister Hayashi also stated that Japan will continue contributing as the G7 Presidency this year. In response, President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for Japan's assistance, including the two National Security Advisor level meetings, and they shared the view to maintain close coordination between the two countries.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will support the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine through public and private sectors, noting the Japanese business representatives that had accompanied Minister Hayashi on this visit and the Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction scheduled for the beginning of next year. In response, President Zelenskyy stated that he would welcome any assistance from Japan on economic reconstruction, employment recovery, and return of evacuees to Ukraine. President Zelenskyy expressed his expectations for Japan's cooperation in the public and private sectors.
- Representatives of participating companies, including Mr. Hiroshi MIKITANI, CEO of Rakuten Group, Inc. and Mr. Teppei SAKANO, CEO of Allm Inc., explained their companies’ efforts. President Zelenskyy praised them as meaningful initiatives for Ukraine and shared the view that they will continue to cooperate with each other.