PRESS RELEASE : Roman Mashovets discussed with the Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine the prospects of cooperation in the field of security and defense

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 18 February 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Roman Mashovets met with Ambassador of Japan Kuninori Matsuda and discussed the security situation around Ukraine and ways to develop Ukrainian-Japanese cooperation on a wide range of security and defense issues.

Roman Mashovets informed the Ambassador of Japan about the situation in eastern Ukraine, gross violations of the ceasefire by Russia, further concentration of Russian troops along the Ukrainian border and in the temporarily occupied territories, aggravation of the situation in the Black Sea region and Russia’s efforts to destabilize the internal situation. He assured Kuninori Matsuda that Ukraine’s security and defense forces are ready to resist Russian aggression and defend the country.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President thanked the Ambassador of Japan for the continued support to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression both at the international level, in particular within the UN and the G7, and bilaterally.

Kuninori Matsuda said that the Embassy of Japan continues to work in Kyiv despite the possibility of aggravation, which is a demonstration of genuine partnership support for Ukraine and faith in the ability of the country’s leadership to withstand growing threats from Russia.

The Japanese diplomat noted the high level of awareness of Japanese society about the events in Ukraine and the corresponding public support of our state in Japan.

Roman Mashovets thanked the Japanese side for providing assistance to Ukraine, especially in the financial, economic and medical spheres. Kuninori Matsuda announced the intention of Japanese companies to continue investing in Ukraine, in particular in the food industry, education and information technology.

In the context of further development of bilateral relations in the field of security and defense, an agreement was reached on deepening cooperation in cybersecurity and the defense industry.

Roman Mashovets proposed to include these issues in the agenda of the next Ukrainian-Japanese military-political consultations scheduled for spring this year. Kuninori Matsuda supported these proposals and assured of Japan’s intentions to fill them with practical initiatives.

The parties agreed to continue coordination of joint efforts to ensure security in the region and the development of Ukraine’s security and defense sector.