Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has promised her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, that Japan will continue to help Ukraine recover and reconstruct from Russia’s drawn-out invasion.
The diplomats met on Thursday in Capri, southern Italy, where the Group of Seven foreign ministers are meeting. Kuleba is also taking part in the G7 gathering.
Kamikawa said at the start of her meeting with Kuleba that she had been following news on Ukraine every day with concern about the continuing harsh circumstances.
She expressed her sincere respect for the courage and perseverance of the people of Ukraine.
Kamikawa mentioned that Ukraine was a key topic at last week’s summit between Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US President Joe Biden.
The foreign minister emphasized that Japan would continue to demonstrate at every opportunity that its unity in support for Ukraine remains unwavering.
Kamikawa also said Japan will steadily implement assistance programs agreed to at the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction that was held in Tokyo in February.
The conference brought together Japanese and Ukrainian officials as well as representatives of about 130 businesses. The assistance initiatives cover seven areas, including demining, disposing of debris, boosting agricultural productivity, and rebuilding electric power and transportation infrastructure.
Kuleba expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support. The diplomats agreed to continue to work closely together.