Demining is a complex task that requires a lot of time, geological and spatial work, which in turn requires strong and stable political leadership," emphasized Mr. Yamashita Nozomu, the First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, during the presentation of the sectoral national association for humanitarian demining.
"In June, the Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Sviridenko, emphasized the importance of returning 80% of potentially contaminated territories of Ukraine for economic use. The Government of Japan considers this to be an ambitious but achievable task. To achieve this, it is important to unite all possible efforts and involve all internal stakeholders," expressed Mr. Nozomu Yamashita.
The First Secretary also shared Japan's experience in demining.
"It has been 80 years since we fought with the Americans. However, we are still trying to demine some territories and understand that this requires patience. We have been working together with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre for 25 years. As a result, we have developed many methodologies and will share them with Ukraine so that you can return your people to safely demined territories," Mr. Nozomu Yamashita reported.
The Embassy of Japan also outlined three main approaches to cooperation with Ukraine in the field of humanitarian demining.
"The first approach is the provision of equipment and vehicles. The second is capacity-building training programs for the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU). And finally, the third is the localization of equipment and vehicle production to create a market for humanitarian demining," said the First Secretary.
Mr. Nozomu Yamashita informed that the Japan International Cooperation Agency has already provided Ukraine with 30 manipulator tractors. Additionally, Japan has transferred dozens of wagons and pickups to Ukraine, which are used to determine the location of explosive objects.
"Currently, 22 demining machines are being produced in Japan, and the first batch of such heavy machines will arrive in Ukraine in June of this year. We will also establish partnerships with local organizations to repair such machines and provide their maintenance," Mr. Nozomu Yamashita announced.
The First Secretary assured that Japan will support Ukraine and the entire Ukrainian demining sector until victory over the cynical enemy.
"Japan will support the entire Ukrainian demining sector and stand with Ukraine until the last mine in Ukraine is neutralized," reassured Mr. Nozomu Yamashita.
Additionally, the Embassy of Japan strongly condemned the cynical attack by Russians on Odessa, which occurred on March 15.
"In addition to thanking all Ukrainian sappers who liberate Ukrainian land from the consequences of unprovoked Russian aggression, I would like to address the horrific attack that took place in Odessa on March 15. The Embassy of Japan expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the victims," noted the First Secretary.
