Ukraine and Japan sign security agreement: Zelenskyy reveals details
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (Getty Images)
On Thursday, June 13, Ukraine and Japan signed a bilateral security agreement, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and I have just signed a security agreement between Ukraine and Japan. A unique document with one of the world’s most economically and technologically advanced countries," wrote the President.
According to him, Japan will provide Ukraine with $4.5 billion in 2024 and will support Ukraine throughout the 10-year term of the agreement.
"This includes security and defense assistance, humanitarian aid, technical and financial cooperation, as well as joint efforts on the Peace Formula. Additionally, the agreement implies sanctions against the aggressor and efforts to hold the aggressor accountable. We also greatly appreciate that Japan will cooperate with Ukraine in reconstruction and recovery," added Zelenskyy.
It is worth noting that this is the first agreement with a country outside of NATO and from the Asia-Pacific region.
Details of the agreement
The agreement includes provisions for Japan to transfer non-lethal equipment to Ukraine, taking into account Japan's constitutional constraints, and solidifies further cooperation within coalition capabilities, of which Japan is a member, including coalitions in information technology and demining.
Additionally, Japan will provide medical treatment for wounded Ukrainian soldiers and collaborate with Ukraine in intelligence and protection of classified information.
The countries will jointly work on:
- Strengthening protection and rebuilding critical infrastructure
- Enhancing cyber and information security
- Ensuring freedom of navigation
- Security of maritime routes
"A separate block of the agreement concerns cooperation in the field of industry, where Japan holds a leading position in the world. The countries will explore opportunities to develop Ukraine's industrial base, in particular by attracting the private sector, creating joint ventures, and conducting research," the Presidential Office said.
Japan will also continue to support the Ukrainian peace formula and strengthen sanctions against Russia. Japan will cooperate in developing a mechanism for compensation for damages, in particular from sovereign Russian assets, and holding the aggressor accountable.
Security agreements
This year, Ukraine launched a new format of cooperation with partner countries by signing bilateral security agreements. Each agreement is unique and meets the needs of Ukraine and a particular partner country.
The first country which signed such an agreement with Ukraine was the United Kingdom.
On January 12, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited Kyiv on a working visit and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Together they signed a historic agreement between the UK and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also said that all attention is now focused on preparing a security agreement with the United States.
