Japan Pledges 'maximum' Support For Ukraine At Its Recovery Conference
Delegates from countries at the Ukraine Recovery Conference have outlined their plans to help the country rebuild from the devastation inflicted by Russia's invasion.
Japan's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Suzuki Takako was among the delegates who spoke on Tuesday at the event in Lugano, southern Switzerland. Representatives from the governments of Ukraine and about 40 other countries are taking part. The World Bank and other international bodies are also participating.
Suzuki promised that her country would continue maximum support for Ukraine in cooperation with the international community.
Suzuki recalled how Japan rebuilt its economy after being reduced to ruins in World War Two. She also touched on the country's experience of having to recover from numerous natural disasters, including the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
She suggested that Japan will share the lessons it has learned and actively contribute to Ukraine's recovery.
The Ukrainian government has stressed the country needs roughly 750 billion dollars at this point for restoration and rebuilding efforts.
The Ukrainians see the conference as a starting point. Numerous countries have promised support, but it's unclear how costly restoration and rebuilding projects can be carried out as no end is in sight to Russia's invasion.
The two-day event is set to wrap up later on Tuesday with a news conference by Swiss President Ignazio Cassis and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.