Japan to help Ukraine in medicine, transition to green energy and battery production
Zelensky accepts Kishida's invitation to participate online in G7 summit in May
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has met with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
According to the press service of the Ukrainian president, Kishida began his visit by visiting Bucha.
"It is symbolic that the Prime Minister of Japan is making his first visit to Ukraine today – on the day of the anniversary of the beginning of the liberation of Ukrainian territories. And he started it with Bucha. We really appreciate it," Zelensky said.
He thanked Fumio Kishida for his significant support for Ukraine: security, economic, political, sanctions, and humanitarian.
The two leaders also paid attention to further sanctions pressure on Russia.
"Japan has applied 18 packages of sanctions against Russian aggression, and new sanctions packages should continue this path of restoring global security and reducing the potential of Russian terror. Sanctions should be faster than Russia's ability to adapt to them," the President of Ukraine emphasized.
Zelensky also thanked Japan for its readiness to cooperate in the implementation of the points of the Ukrainian peace formula and Japan's support for the establishment of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine.
In connection with Japan's presidency of the Group of Seven, the President of Ukraine said that he had accepted the invitation of the Prime Minister of Japan to participate in the G7 summit scheduled for May in Hiroshima online.
During the talks, the parties specifically focused on Japan's involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction, which offers great opportunities for cooperation.
Zelensky noted that since February 24, 2022, Japan's assistance in the field of recovery has reached more than $7 billion.
"Japan's leadership in the implementation of the Fast Recovery Plan and in the post-war recovery of Ukraine will definitely create new directions for the development of both our and Japanese society, both the Ukrainian and Japanese economies. Today, I suggested that Japan focus on supporting our medical institutions and on restoring certain sectors of the economy. These are the automotive industry, green transformation, in particular the production of hydrogen equipment and lithium batteries, where Japan is one of the technological leaders," the President said.
Zelensky said that following the talks, a Joint Statement on a Special Global Partnership between the two countries was signed.
For his part, the Prime Minister of Japan emphasized solidarity with Ukraine. He praised the courage and patience of the Ukrainian people who are defending their homeland and freedom.
"Japan will continue to support Ukraine until peace returns to its beautiful land," said Fumio Kishida.
The Prime Minister of Japan noted that Russia's aggression undermines all the foundations of the world order and violates international law.
According to Fumio Kishida, Japan cooperates with Ukraine in imposing sanctions against Russia.
The Prime Minister emphasized that since last year, his country has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and financial assistance, which, in particular, is aimed at supporting the energy sector, agriculture and demining.
In addition, Japan plans to provide funds for the supply of non-lethal weapons through the NATO Trust Fund.