Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi embarked on a historic visit to Ukraine, marking the first such visit by a Japanese foreign minister since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. His arrival underscores Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ukraine during these challenging times.

During his visit, Minister Hayashi is scheduled to hold crucial discussions with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Central to their talks is the proposal to convene a conference on Ukraine’s reconstruction in the early months of the upcoming year. This initiative reflects Japan’s dedication to supporting Ukraine’s recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The agenda of these high-level meetings encompasses a wide array of critical topics, including cooperation in housing reconstruction, ensuring global food security, bolstering support for small and medium-sized businesses, and the crucial task of humanitarian demining. These discussions signify Japan’s multifaceted approach to assisting Ukraine on its path to recovery. Additionally, Minister Hayashi is expected to pay a visit to Bucha, a town located on the outskirts of Kyiv that endured some of the most severe consequences of the conflict.

It is worth noting that Japan has provided substantial support to Ukraine, with contributions exceeding $7 billion. This assistance primarily encompasses humanitarian aid, reflecting Japan’s constitutional constraints on military involvement in conflicts and the supply of lethal weaponry.

Japan’s diplomatic overtures in the face of Ukraine’s ongoing challenges signify its dedication to contributing positively to the resolution of the crisis and its unwavering support for Ukraine’s recovery efforts.