Japan and Ukraine: Strengthening Friendship and Partnership Ties in the Era of Reiwa

Violetta Udovik

Abstract

Notwithstanding the fact that Japan and Ukraine are separated by a great geographic distance, the two countries have many things in common. First, they both experienced accidents at nuclear power plants. Second, Japan and Ukraine are united by the issue of occupation of their territories by Russia. Third, both countries share universal values such as democracy, the rule of law and the market economy. The year 2019 saw important developments on both sides. In Japan a new era commenced with the enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, and in Ukraine a new president was elected. The first high level meeting of Reiwa was held in October 2019 between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Abe Shinzo during Zelenskyy's visit to Japan to attend the Enthronement Ceremony. Areas for bilateral collaboration such as investment cooperation, dealing with the aftermath of nuclear accidents, further liberalization of visa regime for Ukrainian citizens, and cooperation in the IT and security areas, were mapped out as priorities. The friendship and partnership ties between Japan and Ukraine, which are based on the deep trust and mutual respect, are expected to see further development. Strengthening of security cooperation, Japan’s assistance during the spread of COVID-19, and intercultural collaboration in the framework of the Tokyo Olympics provide a good opportunity for further broadening the horizons of bilateral relations between Japan and Ukraine.

Keywords: Japan-Ukraine relations, Japan’s foreign policy, Ukraine, international relations.

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ACAS2020_57792.pdf

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