Ukraine foreign minister to visit Japan next week to deepen ties

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is scheduled to visit Japan next week to hold talks with his counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi to deepen bilateral ties, the Japanese government said Friday.

Sybiha's three-day visit from Tuesday comes after Japan recently sent government officials to Russia, accompanied by members of its top business lobby, despite backing continued sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine apparently aims to reaffirm with Japan the importance of keeping pressure on Russia. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry announced that Sybiha also plans to travel to South Korea.

"We wish to convey once again (to the minister) that Japan stands with Ukraine and our stance remains unwavering, while also spending time exchanging views to advance bilateral cooperation," Motegi told a press conference in Tokyo.

Motegi said he will hold talks with Sybiha on Wednesday.

Sybiha is making his second trip to Japan since assuming his current post in September 2024. He also held phone talks with Motegi in February this year.