Ukrainian president may visit Japan in October

14.08.2019 14:07

Ukrinform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may visit Japan in October 2019 to attend the ceremony of enthronement for Emperor Naruhito, as well as hold a meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and discuss the situation in eastern Ukraine, Jiji News Agency has reported, quoting diplomatic sources familiar with the matter.

According to the report, Japan's prime minister wants to support "chances for peace" in eastern Ukraine declared by Zelensky. For Tokyo, progress in settling the conflict in Donbas will help lift Japan's sanctions against Russia related to the "Ukrainian crisis." Abe himself wants to resolve the Kuril Islands dispute with Russia.

The article also suggests that the possible topics of discussion will be the exchange of information on the Chornobyl and Fukushima NPPs, as well as military cooperation between Ukraine and Japan.

The report recalls that the Ukrainian president's latest visit to Japan was paid in April 2016, and the last meeting at the level of the leaders of the two countries took place in September 2016 during the UN General Assembly. According to Jiji, in October this year, Zelensky can visit not only Tokyo but also Kyoto, Kyiv's sister city.

The press service of the Office of the President of Ukraine confirmed to Ukrinform that preparations were underway for Zelensky's visit to Japan in October this year.