Japan–Ukraine relations

Last updated
Japanese-Ukrainian relations
Japan Ukraine locator.svg
Flag of Japan.svg
Japan
Flag of Ukraine.svg
Ukraine

Japanese-Ukrainian relations are formal diplomatic relations between Japan and Ukraine. Japan extended diplomatic recognition to the Ukrainian state on December 28, 1991, immediately after the breakup of the Soviet Union and full diplomatic relations were established on January 26, 1992.

Contents

Ukraine has an embassy in Tokyo, [1] and Japan has an embassy in Kyiv. [2]

Embassy of Ukraine in Tokyo Embassy of Ukraine in Tokyo Japan 20220228.jpg
Embassy of Ukraine in Tokyo

Trade and economy

From the beginning of 2008, Ukrainian-Japanese relations have improved significantly, with regular exchanges between the two countries sponsored by groups such as InvestUkraine, the Ukrainian-Japanese center and the Japan External Trade Organization. [3] On March 25, 2009, Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine, visited Japan and met with Taro Aso, Prime Minister of Japan. In a joint statement, they welcomed cooperation in trade, investment and energy conservation, and discussed the effect of the recent economic crisis among other topics. [4]

The balance of trade between Ukraine and Japan is heavily weighed in favor of Ukraine, with Japan exporting steel pipe and automobiles and importing aluminum and food products. [5] In a different form of trade, on July 15, 2008, Japan, a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, agreed to buy greenhouse-gas emission allowances from Ukraine to reach a target set under the U.N. climate-change treaty. [6] The deal was finalized on March 26, 2009 [7]

Japan also has assisted Ukrainian educational and cultural institutions financially in the amount of more than US$4.3 million in the 1998 till 2009 period. Moreover, Japan provided Ukraine with grants of more than $151.8 million. [8]

Japan's support for the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine

Japan has reflected that they are a staunch ally to Ukraine in the midst of the 2014 Crimean Crisis. The Japanese government placed sanctions on Russia and Japan was the only East Asian country to do so, [9] although it has been noted that the sanctions were designed in a way to have no real effect and that the Japanese government did not want to jeopardize its relations with Russia. Tokyo criticized Russia, saying that Russia is violating the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. [10] In addition, the Japanese government has stated that they are willing to provide Ukraine with US$1.5 billion in financial aid when Kyiv agrees to accept and enact various IMF reforms. [11]

In February 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Japan imposed sanctions on Russia which prohibited the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan, froze the assets of certain Russian individuals, and restricted travel to Japan. [12] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised Japan as the "first Asian nation that has begun exerting pressure on Russia." [13]

On 20 March 2022, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Sen, urged Russia to halt the war in Ukraine immediately and remove its forces, calling the aggression "a grave breach of the United Nations Charter." [14]

At the end of March 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan announced that it had changed the spelling of the name of the capital of Ukraine so that it would be closer to the Ukrainian pronunciation than to the Russian one. This happened at the request of the Ukrainian authorities. The earlier version was キエフKiefu from the Russian : Киев (Кіевъ), romanized: Kiev, and the current name is キーウKīu from the Ukrainian : Київ, romanized: Kyiv. [15]

In February 2024, the Japan International Cooperation Agency agreed that Ukraine would receive a grant for the implementation of the Ukraine Emergency Recovery Programme. [16] Additionally, the Japanese IHI Corporation offered help to build a bridge across the Danube Delta and a bridge across the Dniester Estuary. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation via the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank will also provide US$150 million loan to support recovery projects by Ukrainian businesses. [16] Following his visit to Tokyo, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated that "Japan should become one of the leaders in the economic recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine". [16]

Cooperation against nuclear disasters in Chernobyl and Fukushima

President Viktor Yushchenko visited in July 2005, where he discussed among other things the Chernobyl clean-up program. [17]

On October 30, 2011, the Japanese government raised the number of workers at the Japanese embassy in Kyiv from 30 to 36, in order to learn more about how Ukraine was dealing with the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster, as Japan is still in the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

High level visits

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the 2019 Japanese imperial transition. Shinzo Abe and Volodymyr Zelensky (Oct 2019).jpg
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during the 2019 Japanese imperial transition.

Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma made a state visit to Japan in March 1995. President Viktor Yushchenko subsequently visited in July 2005. [17] Viktor Yanukovych also visited Japan in 2011, Petro Poroshenko in 2016 and Volodymyr Zelensky in 2019. [19] After the Russian full-scale invasion, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Japan in May 2023. [20]

Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe visited Ukraine in 2015, held a meeting with Petro Poroshenko. [21] Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited Ukraine in March 2023. [22]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fumio Kishida</span> Prime Minister of Japan since 2021

Fumio Kishida is a Japanese politician who has served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) since 2021. A member of the House of Representatives, he previously served as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2012 to 2017 and as acting Minister of Defense in 2017. From 2017 to 2020, he also chaired the LDP Policy Research Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canada–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Canada–Ukraine relations are the bilateral ties between Canada and Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australia–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Diplomatic relations between Australia and Ukraine were established in 1992. Ukraine has had an embassy in Canberra since March 2003 and the Australian Embassy in Kyiv was established in December 2014, however, Australia closed its embassy in Kyiv in February 2022 due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine–United Kingdom relations</span> Bilateral relations

Relations between Ukraine and the United Kingdom have existed in one form or another since Ukrainian independence in 1991. The two countries have ties across political, military, social and economic spheres. The UK hosts up to 200,000 Ukrainian refugees giving it the sixth largest Ukrainian migrant population in Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Korea–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

South Korea–Ukraine relations are foreign relations between South Korea and Ukraine. Diplomatic Relations were established on February 10, 1992. South Korea has an embassy in Kyiv. Ukraine has an embassy in Seoul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">India–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

The Republic of India recognised Ukraine as a sovereign country in December 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and established diplomatic relations in January 1992. The Indian Embassy in Kyiv was opened in May 1992 and Ukraine opened its Mission in New Delhi in February 1993. The Consulate General of India in Odesa functioned from 1962 until its closure in March 1999. Ukraine is India's second largest trade partner after Russia in the former Soviet Union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serbia–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Serbia–Ukraine relations are foreign relations between Serbia and Ukraine. Serbia, as a direct successor to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, recognized Ukraine on 15 April 1994. Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia were established on 15 April 1994.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Russia–Singapore relations</span> Bilateral relations

Russia–Singapore relations are the bilateral foreign relations between the two countries, Russia and Singapore. Russia has an embassy in Singapore. Singapore has an embassy in Moscow. Both countries are full members of APEC. Due to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, relations became very tense after Singapore imposed sanctions against Russia. Russia placed Singapore on a list of "unfriendly countries" along with Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, the United States, European Union members, NATO members, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Micronesia and Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Turkey–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Turkey and Ukraine have a long chronology of historical, geographic, and cultural contact. Diplomatic relations between both countries were established in early 1990s when Turkey became one of the first states in the world to announce officially about recognition of sovereign Ukraine. Turkey has an embassy in Kyiv and a consulate general in Odesa. Ukraine has an embassy in Ankara and a consulate general in Istanbul. Turkey is a full member of NATO and Ukraine is a candidate. Also both countries are BLACKSEAFOR and BSEC members.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finland–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Before 1918, both Finland and Ukraine were part of the Russian Empire. In 1918, Finland was one of the first countries to recognise Ukraine and open a diplomatic mission in Kyiv. Finland once again recognised Ukraine on December 30, 1991. Both countries established diplomatic relations on February 26, 1992. Finland is a member of the European Union, which Ukraine applied for in 2022. Both countries are full members of Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lithuania–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Lithuania–Ukraine relations are foreign relations between Lithuania and Ukraine. Both countries are members of the Lublin Triangle, OSCE, Council of Europe, World Trade Organization and United Nations. Lithuania supports Ukraine's European Union and NATO membership. Lithuania has an embassy in Kyiv and Ukraine has an embassy in Vilnius.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Israel–Ukraine relations are foreign relations between Israel and Ukraine. Both countries recognized each other on 11 May 1949 as the Ukrainian SSR and established de jure diplomatic relations on 26 December 1991 when Ukraine became independent. Israel has an embassy in Kyiv. Ukraine has an embassy in Tel Aviv and a consulate-general in Haifa. There are 30,000 Ukrainians settled in Israel, while Ukraine has one of Europe's largest Jewish communities. Ukraine is also the first state, apart from Israel, to have had both a Jewish president and prime minister simultaneously.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Denmark–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Denmark–Ukraine relations are the current and historical relations between Denmark and Ukraine. Denmark recognized Ukraine on 31 December 1991, and diplomatic relations were established on 12 February 1992.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine–Vietnam relations</span> Bilateral relations

Ukraine–Vietnam relations are the bilateral relations between Ukraine and Vietnam. Vietnam recognized Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union on 27 December 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 23 January 1992. The embassy of Vietnam in Ukraine started its operations in 1993, and the embassy of Ukraine in Vietnam was opened in 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vadym Prystaiko</span> Ukrainian diplomat

Vadym Volodymyrovych Prystaiko is a Ukrainian diplomat who was Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom. He was appointed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 20 July 2020 and held the position until he was dismissed by Zelenskyy three years later.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iran–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Ukraine established formal diplomatic relations on 22 January 1992. Iran recognized Ukraine as an independent sovereign state on 25 December 1991, four months after the Ukrainian SSR issued the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine amidst the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Iran has an embassy in Ukraine's Kyiv, and Ukraine has an embassy in Iran's Tehran. The two countries enjoyed a generally cordial relationship with each other until January 2020, when Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752, killing all of the 176 civilians onboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Italy–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

Italy–Ukraine relations are the bilateral relations between Italy and Ukraine. Italy has an embassy in Kyiv. Ukraine has an embassy in Rome and consulates in Milan and Naples. Italy is a member of the European Union, which Ukraine applied for in 2022. Both nations are members of the Council of Europe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ukraine Recovery Conference</span>

Ukraine Recovery Conference is an annual international event dedicated to discussions on the rebuilding and reconstruction priorities of Ukraine due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand–Ukraine relations</span> Bilateral relations

New Zealand–Ukraine relations are the foreign relations between New Zealand and Ukraine. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, New Zealand formally established diplomatic relations with Ukraine in March 1992. The two countries subsequently expanded diplomatic contacts and economic relations over the next three decades. Following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, New Zealand supported Ukraine by condemning Russia's actions and providing diplomatic and military assistance.

References

  1. "Ukrainian embassy in Tokyo". Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  2. "Embassy of Japan in Ukraine". Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. Archived from the original on 2009-05-27. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  3. "MEETING WITH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPAN EXTERNAL TRADE ORGANIZATION". InvestUkraine. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  4. "Japan-Ukraine Joint Statement". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  5. "Fact Sheet on Japan-Ukraine relations (Economic Relations)". Embassy of Japan in Ukraine. Archived from the original on 2009-04-29. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  6. "Japan to Buy Emission Allowances From Ukraine; Seeks Czech Deal". Bloomberg. 2008-07-15. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  7. "Japan, Ukraine Hail Carbon Credits Deal". Carbon Offsets Daily. 2009-03-26. Archived from the original on 2018-10-04. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  8. Japan extends grant for Chornobyl museum, Ukrinform (September 23, 2009)
  9. N. Matiaszczyk, Japonia i Korea Południowa wobec rosyjskiej inwazji na Ukrainę [in:] Granice i obszary wpływów w polityce wewnętrznej i relacjach międzynarodowych, Lodz University Press 2023.
  10. "Japan Imposes Sanctions on Russia Over Crimea - ABC News". Archived from the original on 2014-03-18.
  11. "Japan could provide $1.5 BLN aid to Ukraine when country agree reform package with IMF - Mar. 25, 2014". 25 March 2014.
  12. "Japan imposes sanctions on Russia over actions in Ukraine - Feb. 22, 2022". 22 Feb 2022.
  13. Martin Fritz (April 28, 2022). "Japan edges from pacifism to more robust defense stance". Deutsche Welle. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022.
  14. "Japan, Cambodia urge Russia to immediately end war in Ukraine". Kyodo News. Kyodo News. Kyodo News. 20 March 2022. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  15. ウクライナの首都等の呼称の変更, MFA of Japan, https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/press/release/press1_000813.html
  16. 1 2 3 "Japan should become one of the leaders of economic recovery and reconstruction of our country: Denys Shmyhal". Government of Ukraine. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  17. 1 2 "Japan, Ukraine commend UNDP Chornobyl programme". United Nations Development Programme. Archived from the original on 2012-12-22. Retrieved 2009-04-22.
  18. "Ukrainian president to visit Japan on Oct 21-24". UNIAN . 2019-10-20. Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  19. Політичні відносини між Україною та Японією, https://japan.mfa.gov.ua/spivrobitnictvo/256-politichni-vidnosini-mizh-ukrajinoju-ta-japonijeju
  20. "Zelensky Visits Japan for G7 Summit, Seeking Military Aid". The New York Times. 20 May 2023. Retrieved 20 May 2023.
  21. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Visits Ukraine, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2015 June 8
  22. "Japan PM Kishida arrives in Kyiv for talks with Zelenskiy". Reuters . 2023-03-21. Retrieved 2023-03-21.