Japan-Ukraine Relations
Japan-Ukraine Foreign Ministers' Meeting
January 7, 2024
On January 7, commencing at 10:45 a.m. local time (same day, 5:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during her visit to Ukraine, held a meeting and a working lunch with H.E. Mr. Dmytro KULEBA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. The overview is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Kuleba expressed his condolences for the damage caused by the recent 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and welcomed Minister Kamikawa, noting that she was Ukraine’s first foreign guest of 2024. Minister Kamikawa stated that she has been continuing efforts on Ukraine with serious concern before she assumed the post of Minister for Foreign Affairs and wanted to visit as soon as possible after assuming office. She expressed her gratitude for the cooperation from the Ukrainian side for making her visit to Ukraine possible as the first destination of her visits to foreign countries this year.
- Minister Kamikawa once again condemned Russia's continued missile and unmanned aerial vehicle attacks on Kyiv and other locations during the New Year period and expressed her condolences for the victims. Minister Kuleba explained the situation regarding the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Both ministers exchanged views based on the current situation, including efforts towards a just and lasting peace.
- Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan has been vigorously promoting support for Ukraine, and that the government of Japan would provide a new contribution of $37 million to the CAP Trust Fund of the NATO and provide an unmanned aircraft detection system, etc. For winterization assistance to Ukraine, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan would provide five mobile gas turbine generators and transportation support for seven large transformers that have the potential to benefit more than 5 million people. The donation ceremony was scheduled on the same day (January 7). In response, Minister Kuleba expressed his deep gratitude for Japan's assistance.
- Minister Kamikawa then stated that she intends to visit the site for supporting women and children that day (January 7) and listen to those in vulnerable situations. She also expressed her desire to formulate projects in all phases, from emergency humanitarian assistance to recovery and reconstruction, accounting for the perspective of Women, Peace and Security (WPS). She stated that the additional support provided by Japan would include the development of education, health and medical care, and shelter for women and children, and the protection of victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
- Both ministers held detailed discussions on preparations for the Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction on February 19, 2024 and on Ukraine's efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.
- They also exchanged views on regional and international situations, including East Asia and the Middle East, and concurred on enhancing bilateral and international cooperation.