Japan Allocates $4.5 Billion to Support Ukraine
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced during a virtual meeting of the G7 countries the provision of assistance to Ukraine in the amount of $4.5 billion.
This information is reported on the official website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Japan has decided to provide additional support in the amount of $1 billion, including assistance for recovery and reconstruction, as well as humanitarian aid. And is ready to allocate a total of $4.5 billion in support, including this additional support and an increase in the World Bank's credit," the ministry's statement said.
In addition, in his speech, Kishida emphasized that despite tensions in the Middle East, the G7 countries remain steadfast "in their position to lead the international community's response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine" and continue to implement "decisive" sanctions against Russia.
The Japanese Prime Minister also emphasized that support for the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine is important in the medium and long term. In particular, Japan plans to involve its private sector and start a Japanese-Ukrainian economic reconstruction project in February 2024.
Recall that last month, a delegation from Japan arrived in Kyiv. It included representatives of Japanese business, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry.
Japanese officials met with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and announced the allocation of 160 million euros to support projects for the recovery of Ukraine's economy.
"We have outlined our priorities for quick recovery: energy, housing construction, critical infrastructure, humanitarian demining, and business support," noted Ukrainian Prime Minister Shmyhal.
Earlier, it became known that on December 1, the Japanese government began a program to support foreign citizens, including Ukrainians, leaving conflict zones and seeking refuge abroad but not meeting Japanese criteria for refugee status. Now such individuals can apply for long-term resident status with a work visa.
Also, as part of the program, these individuals will be able to attend free Japanese language lessons and receive advice on living in the country. Evacuees from conflict zones will also have the opportunity to receive financial support.