Today we are honored to welcome Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe who is on an official visit to Ukraine.

This visit opens a new page in the history of Ukrainian-Japanese relations. Head of the Japanese Government visits Ukraine forthe first time since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ukraine and Japan in 1992. It has a historic and symbolic meaning.

Arrival to Kyiv of the leader of the country which is one of the most powerful economies of the world and an influential member of G7 has a crucial significance for the enhancement of Ukrainian-Japanese partnership.

Powerful political support provided by Japan for Ukraine is especially valuable for the restoration of territorial integrity of our state.

Today's negotiations have shown that Ukraine and Japan share the position on inadmissibility of changing internationally recognized borders by force in violation of generally recognized principles of international law.

I expressed my sincere appreciation to Mr. Prime Minister for firm and consistent position of Japan in support of our country, both at bilateral level and in the framework of multilateral forums.

The abovementioned was confirmed during the recent Summit "Japan - European Union". We appreciate the strong stance of Japan regarding non-recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea and readiness to contribute to the consolidation of international efforts to ensure full implementation of the Minsk agreements.

During today's meeting we discussed the expectations from the G7 summit, which will start tomorrow in Germany. I am glad to note that Japan is determined to actively assist Ukraine in the implementation of important internal reforms during its presidency in G7 next year.

One of the key issues on the agenda of our meeting was the issue of deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Japan in the international security issues, especially in the context of the deployment of the peacekeeping mission in Ukraine and cooperation on the reform of the UN Security Council.

Japan is a very important and reliable partner of Ukraine. I would like to express personal gratitude to the Government of Japan and Mr. Prime Minister for providing financial, technical and humanitarian assistance aimed at stabilization of economic situation, implementation of reforms in Ukraine, fulfillment of projects on the restoration of Donbas and assistance to the internally displaced persons.

I am also grateful to Japan for providing credit guarantees in the amount of USD 1.5 billion, which will help us ensure stability of the financial system of Ukraine.

This approach is a sign of true solidarity and effective help in a difficult time for Ukraine.

During the meaningful talks with Mr. Abe, we have focused on practical aspects of deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Japan in trade, energy, science and technology, infrastructure development, humanitarian sphere and sphere of interpersonal contacts.

In view of the substantial financial potential of Japan, involvement of Japanese investment in the domestic economy was among the priorities of today's negotiations.

I informed Mr. Prime Minister that the Parliament of Ukraine had ratified the Agreement between Ukraine and Japan on promotion and protection of investments on June 3. After the similar ratification by the Japanese Parliament, this document will come into force, which will surely create additional conditions to enhance business cooperation between our countries.

We have also substantively discussed ways to simplify visa regime for Ukrainian citizens traveling to Japan and agreed that we would carry out important steps in this direction in the near future.

A positive example of cooperation in attracting technology, experience and credit resources of Japan for the implementation of infrastructure projects in Ukraine is continued implementation of projects within the Official Development Assistance.

Recently, the intergovernmental agreement has been concluded to launch the project on modernization of Bortnychi aeration plant in Kyiv at the cost of the Japanese Government's soft loan in the amount of USD 1.1 billion. It is extremely important for the solution of environmental and social problems.

We are also grateful to the Government of Japan for providing loans for the development of clean technologies in the field of coal energy. You know how acute and important the issue of energy security, energy independence and efficiency of thermal energy is. The implementation of energy efficiency program and modernization of coal plants at the expense of the Japanese loan, which we have just agreed, is of paramount importance for Ukraine.

Traditionally, the key issue of our bilateral agenda is the exchange of experience in overcoming consequences of accidents at nuclear power plants. We reaffirm our willingness to continue providing effective assistance to Japan in this sensitive area. The implementation of cooperation under the "Chornobyl - Fukushima" project has huge prospects.

Special attention was paid to the aspects of Ukrainian-Japanese cooperation in the field of green investments in accordance with the obligations of the two countries under the Kyoto Protocol.

The effectiveness of our cooperation in this sphere is proved by the successful implementation of the project on the provision of more than 1,500 cars with ecological engines for the Ukrainian law enforcers by Japan. Today, we will participate in the ceremony, which symbolizes the successful completion of this project.

Dear friends!

We highly appreciate the achieved high level of relations with Japan. I can emphasize that Ukraine and Japan have never had such a high level of cooperation. I would like to express gratitude to Mr. Prime Minister, the Japanese government and the people of Japan for that. This cooperation is implemented in the form of constructive partnership between our countries and will deepen in the future on the basis of common fundamental values such as democracy, freedom, rule of law, human rights, mutual respect and trust.

We appreciate firm position of Japan on the support for Ukraine, imposition of sanctions and continuation of the existing sanctions in case of non-implementation of the Minsk agreements by the Russian Federation.

Thank you very much for solidarity, Mr. Prime Minister, thank you very much for the unity of G7. It is extremely important for us.

Thank you for your attention.