Japan is willing to join the Supervisory Board of the Humanitarian Mine Action Center and consider delegating a representative to it. This was discussed during a meeting between Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, and Matsuda Kuninori, Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine.
A Humanitarian Mine Action Center has been established in Ukraine. It will coordinate all participants in this process, raise funds, and set priorities for demining specific areas.
"In order to make this process as transparent as possible, we are planning to set up a Supervisory Board that will include representatives of the G7 countries and other interested international organizations. We are interested in having representatives from countries with experience in this area," said Yuliia Svyrydenko.
For his part, the Ambassador of Japan to Ukraine supported such government initiatives and expressed readiness to provide assistance in the humanitarian demining process.
"Japan understands that humanitarian demining in Ukraine is a very long-term project. Nearly 29% of Ukraine’s territory may be mined. Japan has long experience in humanitarian demining with third countries, including Cambodia. It can help Ukraine by both training specialists and providing the necessary equipment. We are willing to work with the Ukrainian government for many years, so Ukraine can be sure of Japan’s sincere support," said Matsuda Kuninori.
According to Mr. Kuninori, his country supports the idea of establishing a Humanitarian Mine Action Centre in Ukraine. Japan is not only willing to send its representative but also to help attract candidates to the Center’s Supervisory Board and to coordinate humanitarian demining with other countries.
"We are willing to provide financial and technical assistance and to share our experience. As a representative of the country currently holding the G7 Presidency, I take this very seriously and welcome Ukraine’s efforts. I also pledge to mobilize sustained international support in this area," said Matsuda Kuninori.
The parties to the meeting also touched upon the issue of Ukraine launching negotiations to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) this year.