From April 13 to October 13, 2025, Ukraine will participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. This is one of the most prestigious exhibition events in the world, expected to feature over 160 participating countries and around 28 million visitors. This was announced by the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, during a meeting with Japan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Toshimitsu Motegi.
"World Expos take place once every five years. The theme of Expo 2025 will be creating a society for our future life. We have made the decision that, despite the war, Ukraine must present its potential at the world's largest exhibition. For our country, this is a great opportunity to attract international attention to issues of Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction, as well as investment in our economy. I was happy to personally thank Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi for the opportunity to participate in this event," emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.
She also thanked Japan for the assistance provided, as the country is one of the largest donors to Ukraine, directing $4.2 billion in 2024 to support Ukraine's budget. Yulia Svyrydenko expressed hope that Ukraine would remain a priority for Japan's funding in 2025. Additionally, the Minister welcomed the partners' assurances of support for Ukraine through the G7 ERA mechanism, which will allow using proceeds from frozen Russian sovereign assets to cover the principal of a $50 billion loan from G7 countries, as well as interest and other costs associated with loans from partners under the initiative.
The First Deputy Prime Minister also thanked Japan for the assistance provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with support exceeding $1.5 billion.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi noted that Japan is considering potential additional support for Ukraine's energy sector, the continuation of humanitarian projects, such as setting up shelters in schools, and providing meals for students.
Yulia Svyrydenko expressed hope for the participation of Japanese companies in Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction.
The parties also discussed revising the Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments and holding an annual forum on humanitarian mine clearance in Japan in 2025.
"Japan is one of the most active supporters of Ukraine's efforts in humanitarian demining. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, the amount of assistance has exceeded $70 million, which has been used for demining vehicles, personnel transport, and other equipment. Currently, sapper units are actively using this equipment in their work, restoring safety to Ukrainian land. I thank Japan for its invaluable contribution to the protection of lives and health of Ukrainians," added Yulia Svyrydenko.
The Minister also thanked Japan for its support of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Peace Formula, particularly its first point regarding radiation safety, as well as for participating in the Global Peace Summit. The parties shared their views on achieving a just peace for Ukraine.
Note
The World Expo, or World Exposition, is an international exhibition that first took place in 1851 in London. It became a symbol of industrialization and an open platform for showcasing technical and technological innovations. The Expo takes place every five years in different countries around the world.
The upcoming World Expo 2025 will be held from April 13, 2025, to October 13, 2025, in Osaka, Japan. Ukraine's Ministry of Economy will coordinate the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in this event.
