Japanese FM arrives in Ukraine on unannounced visit

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa arrived in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on Sunday, January 7, on an unannounced visit.

That’s according to Kyodo News, Ukrinform reports.

According to the Ministry for Foreign Affair of Japan, Kamikawa, who is visiting Ukraine for the first time since taking the role in September, will hold talks with government officials including her Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba.

Kamikawa, who arrived in Ukraine by train from Poland, is expected to reiterate that Japan's support for Ukraine "remains unchanged," and convey as well as its commitment to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine through the conference, the report says.

In addition, during her visit, Kamikawa will stress the importance of upholding the international order based on the rule of law from the standpoint of not tolerating any attempts to change the status quo by force, according to the ministry.

On February 19, Tokyo will host a conference aimed at discussing the reconstruction of Ukraine, which has suffered widespread destruction since Russia invaded in February 2022.

It is noted that Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a surprise trip to Ukraine in March 2023, while Kamikawa's predecessor, Yoshimasa Hayashi, visited the country in September.

As Ukrinform reported, newly appointed Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and promised to maintain tough economic sanctions against Russia.

Photo: Kyodo