Japan Vows Long-Term Aid for Ukraine's Economic Stability
Tokyo, Feb. 19 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government reiterated its commitment on Monday to providing "the necessary long-term assistance to ensure the stability of Ukraine's economy," pledging its continued support to the war-ravaged country in all phases of reconstruction from the initial emergency recovery assistance phase to economic reconstruction and industrial enhancement.
In a joint statement with Ukraine issued after a meeting in Tokyo, Japan also vowed to support Ukraine and its people "in defending its freedom and independence, and restoring territorial integrity" in the fight against Russia.
"The promotion of economic reconstruction...is not only investment for the future of Ukraine but also investing in Japan and the whole globe," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a keynote speech at the meeting on Ukraine's reconstruction.
"Japan, through both the public and private sectors, will provide robust support for economic reconstruction and industrial enhancement that will lead to the economic growth of Ukraine, a country with significant potential," Kishida said.
At a joint news conference with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Kishida said, "We want to boost international momentum" for continued support to Ukraine. Japan's cooperation will give vitality to the reconstruction of Ukraine, Shmyhal said.
The Japanese government eased its travel advisory for Ukraine, allowing Japanese people from companies and organizations that engage in Ukraine's reconstruction to travel to Kyiv on condition that they submit travel plans featuring safety measures in advance.
In the joint statement, Japan and Ukraine reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and deepening their comprehensive cooperation. Maintaining and intensifying sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine is "a crucial and effective measure" to deter its military activities, and necessary actions will be taken to prevent Moscow from circumventing the sanctions, the statement said.
Japan and Ukraine signed a new tax treaty and agreed to start talks to review their investment promotion and protection pact, aiming to facilitate Japanese companies' investment in Ukraine.
Japan will relax its visa requirements for Ukrainian businesspeople, and the Japan External Trade Organization will set up a representative office in Kyiv, the statement said.
The meeting was attended by government officials as well as 100 business representatives each from the two countries.
At the meeting, Shmyhal said that Monday marked a fresh start for the two countries' cooperation and that Ukraine hopes to build a genuine partnership and friendship with Japan. He also unveiled a plan to invite Kishida to Ukraine.
Japan and Ukraine signed 56 sets of documents on cooperation in seven areas including land mine and debris disposal, agriculture, digital technology, and electricity and transportation infrastructure.
Also, Japan will provide Ukraine with 15.8 billion yen in grant aid to finance demining and other projects.
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