Japanese Foreign Minister holds press conference in bomb shelter in Kiev

Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa held a press conference in a bomb shelter in Kiev, affirming Japan's "determination" to continue supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

"Japan is determined to support the return of peace to Ukraine," Foreign Minister Kamikawa said at a press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba on January 7.

The press conference was held in a bomb shelter as air raid sirens blared across the capital Kiev. "I can feel how tense the situation is in Ukraine right now," she said.

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa (left) holds a joint press conference with her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba inside a bomb shelter in the capital Kiev on January 7. Photo: AFP

Ms. Kamikawa, the first senior foreign official to visit Kiev this year, announced the delivery of new defense equipment and discussed Japan’s plans to host a conference in February aimed at promoting Ukraine’s economic recovery.

The Japanese Foreign Minister's visit comes as both Russia and Ukraine are escalating attacks against each other.

Ms. Kamikawa said Japan will allocate 37 million USD to provide Ukraine with a drone detection system, and also send 5 generators to help Ukraine "survive" another winter.

Foreign Minister Kuleba said Kiev was grateful that Tokyo decided last year to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighters, but noted that the country is in dire need of air defense systems.

“Every day, Ukrainian cities are attacked by Russian missiles and UAVs,” he said.

Foreign Minister Kamikawa later met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He expressed his gratitude for Tokyo's security, economic and humanitarian support for Kiev.

"Japan is our important and strong partner," President Zelensky wrote on social media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (left) received Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa in the capital Kiev on January 7. Photo: AFP

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal also praised the "meaningful meetings" with Foreign Minister Kamikawa, thanking Japan for its "comprehensive assistance" both humanitarian and financial.

In a message on Telegram, he welcomed Japan for "its decision to allocate one billion USD for humanitarian and reconstruction projects, and is ready to increase this amount to 4.5 billion USD through the mechanism of international organizations".

Prime Minister Shmygal said Ukraine and Japan are also strengthening trade ties. "We have held meetings with two Japanese business delegations and are interested in locating production bases of leading Japanese companies in Ukraine," he said.

Vu Hoang (According to AFP )

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