Japan to assist Ukraine in countering Russia-North Korea collaboration

The Japanese Embassy in Ukraine reported the information.

“Minister Iwaya visited the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in Bucha on the territory of the Church of St. Andrew the First-Called. He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims,” the statement said.

Earlier, the Japanese Foreign Ministry reported that Iwaya planned to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, in Kyiv for negotiations.

"During this visit to Ukraine, Foreign Minister Iwaya will directly convey to Mr. Sybiha that Japan will continue to provide strong support for Ukraine and impose strict sanctions on Russia. Additionally, Japan will express its serious concern over the recent developments in military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, including the dispatch of North Korean soldiers to Russia, and will exchange candid views with Ukrainian colleagues on the current situation," the statement said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Iwaya will also inform Sybiha about Japan's efforts to achieve a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine and will discuss "continuing close bilateral cooperation between the two countries."

"Additionally, the two sides will exchange views on state-private cooperation aimed at rebuilding and recovering Ukraine, including efforts to hold a Conference on Mine Action in Ukraine, which will take place in Japan next year," the Ministry added.

Ukraine and Japan strengthen cooperation

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, following his meeting with Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, revealed that North Korea seeks to exchange its involvement in Russia's aggression against Ukraine for access to Russian missile, nuclear, and other military technologies, Suspilne reports.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the deployment of North Korean soldiers in Russia and their direct involvement in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We are deeply concerned, as this will negatively impact not only Ukraine but also East Asia. We strongly condemn such actions," said Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

He added that, based on these concerns, Ukraine and Japan agreed to conduct a high-level bilateral dialogue on security issues, involving the heads of foreign affairs and defense ministries, to strengthen information exchange on security matters.

"This way, security cooperation between Japan and Ukraine will advance more systematically through this dialogue," said Takeshi.

• Takeshi Iwaya became the first Japanese minister to visit Ukraine since Shigeru Ishiba assumed the position of Prime Minister of Japan.