Japan-Ukraine Relations
Japan-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Meeting
April 4, 2023
On April 4, commencing at 7:35 p.m. (local time; on April 5, 2:35 a.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Belgium to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Dmytro KULEBA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Prime Minister Kishida's visit in March highlighted solidarity with Ukraine and demonstrated the G7's determination to uphold the free and open international order based on the rule of law through strict sanctions against Russia and robust support for Ukraine. Minister Kuleba stated that Prime Minister Kishida’s visit to Ukraine was extremely symbolic and conveyed an important message to Ukraine and the international community.
- Minister Hayashi stated that, in view of prolonged aggression, Japan will seamlessly and steadily implement its assistance amounting 7.6 billion US dollars, including such new assistances, as 470 million US dollars in bilateral grant aid to various areas which includes the energy sector and 30 million US Dollars to the NATO Trust Fund earmarked for the assistance of non-lethal defence equipment. In response, Minister Kuleba expressed his deep gratitude for Japan's support.
- The two Ministers shared that view that they will work closely to enhance bilateral and international cooperation.