President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan YÅko Kamikawa, who is on a visit to our country.
The Head of State noted that the Japanese Foreign Minister's first international visit in the new year is to Ukraine, which is a very important signal of support for the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky also expressed sincere condolences on his behalf and on behalf of all Ukrainians over the tragic consequences of the recent devastating earthquake in Japan.
"The people of Japan can count on the support of the Ukrainian state and society," he said.
The President thanked Japan and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida personally for the powerful assistance to Ukraine throughout almost two years of full-scale Russian aggression, particularly for political, humanitarian and long-term financial support to the Ukrainian economy.
He also noted Japan's effective presidency of the Group of Seven in 2023 and the special attention to Ukraine at this important international platform.
Zelensky informed of the consequences of Russia's recent massive missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.
The Head of State praised the adoption of the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine in Vilnius during last year's NATO Summit and emphasized the importance of beginning work on the relevant Ukrainian-Japanese agreement on security commitments for Ukraine.
"The launch of negotiations with Japan on a bilateral security agreement is an important step. We are committed to active work to sign this document as soon as feasible," the President of Ukraine noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked Japan for its active support of the Ukrainian Peace Formula and readiness to take part in the next meeting of national security advisers to be held in Davos. For her part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced Japan's readiness to co-lead the implementation of the first point of the Formula, "Radiation and Nuclear Safety."
Special attention was paid to the intensification of cooperation with Japan on the recovery and restoration of Ukraine. The Head of State outlined the priority spheres of cooperation and confirmed willingness to actively work with the Japanese side to ensure the successful holding of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in February in Tokyo.
