Press Releases
Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Shmyhal of Ukraine and others, by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji and State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Iwata
November 20, 2023
- On November 20th, commencing at 9:30 a.m. local time (same day, 4:30 p.m. JST) for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. TSUJI Kiyoto, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Mr. IWATA Kazuchika, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Denys SHMYHAL, Prime Minister of Ukraine, together with representatives of business sectors of Japan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, State Minister Tsuji stated that Japan, as the G7 Presidency, has maintained its unity to end Russia's aggression against Ukraine at the earliest possible date, and that Japan has imposed severe sanctions against Russia and provided strong support for Ukraine. He emphasized that Japan will never waver in its position of standing with Ukraine. State Minister Tsuji also stated that this economic mission is important in deepening the involvement of Japanese companies in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine. He stated that he hope this visit will help prepare for the Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction on February 19, 2024.
- State Minister Iwata explained the ongoing reconstruction support for Ukraine, such as holding online matching meetings with the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to facilitate collaboration between companies of the two countries. He stated that the government will support projects that contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery. State Minister Iwata also referred to improve environment to encourage corporate trade and investment such as Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) trade insurance.
- In response, Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed his gratitude for Japan's support and efforts as the G7 Presidency. He expressed his expectations for Japan's role in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, and his desire to continue working with Japan towards the Japan-Ukraine Conference for promotion of Economic Reconstruction.
- The representatives of business sectors then introduced their efforts to support the reconstruction of Ukraine. Prime Minister Shmyhal expressed his hope that this visit of the economic mission will strengthen cooperation between companies from Japan and Ukraine.
- On the same day, State Ministers Tsuji and Iwata, together with the accompanying representatives of business sectors, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Yuliia SVYRYDENKO, First Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and H.E. Mr. Oleksandr KUBRAKOV, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration - Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- During the courtesy call on First Deputy Prime Minister Svyrydenko, State Minister Iwata explained that Japan has achieved early recovery and economic development from wars and earthquakes with the help of many private companies. He also stated that, based on the science and technology that Japan has developed over the years, start-ups in addition to big companieshave advanced technology that can contribute to Ukraine's economic recovery.
- During the courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister Kubrakov, State Minister Tsuji referred to Japan’s efforts towards the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine including the reopening of JICA office in Ukraine. State Minister Tsuji expressed his hope that reform efforts, including anti-corruption measures, would continue in Ukraine.
- In response, Deputy Prime Ministers Svyrydenko and Kubrakov praised Japan's efforts and explained the Ukrainian government’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. The ministers concurred that they would continue to work closely together to maintain and strengthen cooperation between Japan and Ukraine.