Tokyo Hosts Int’l Conference on Mines in Ukraine

Tokyo, Oct. 22 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government held an international conference on mine clearance in Ukraine in Tokyo on Wednesday. The conference participants agreed to accelerate aid to Ukraine by training personnel involved in mine removal and investing in technological development. “It’s an important component of a comprehensive, long-term process toward the reconstruction and development of Ukraine,” Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said. At the conference, the Japanese government announced measures to promote economic revitalization, including medical and health support for those affected by the fighting and industrial renewal in areas cleared of mines. It also emphasized the need to strengthen cooperation with other countries experienced in mine clearance, leading to a decision to draw up a memorandum on trilateral cooperation involving Colombia. It was the third such conference, with the first held in 2023. Japan hosted the event for the first time. Representatives from 75 countries and international organizations attended the day’s meeting. The European Union is set to chair next year’s conference. Also on Wednesday, Motegi held talks with Ukrainian economy minister Oleksii Sobolev, who is in charge of mine-related issues, and affirmed Japan’s continued support for Ukraine. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]