UNESCO to facilitate Japanese support for restoring Kyiv Pechersk Lavra

Andrii Sybiha's Diplomatic Mission to Japan

According to Главком: During his official visit to Tokyo, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). In a striking show of solidarity, the Japanese delegation wore embroidered Ukrainian shirts (vyshyvanky). Senior Vice President Yuko Mitsui, who had recently traveled to Ukraine, was dressed in a white vyshyvanka with black embroidery.

Sybiha expressed deep gratitude to JICA for their unwavering support.

“I truly value the productive meeting with JICA Senior Vice President Yuko Mitsui. I thanked Ms. Mitsui personally for her recent visit to Ukraine and expressed profound appreciation to JICA for their steadfast commitment and invaluable contribution to strengthening Ukraine’s resilience and rapid recovery,” he stated.

The minister was accompanied by a delegation of Ukrainian business leaders specializing in energy, logistics, and agriculture.

Deepening Ukraine-Japan Cooperation

A key announcement from the meeting was Japan’s commitment to help restore the historic Kyiv Pechersk Lavra through UNESCO frameworks. Additionally, Ukraine and Japan signed an agreement to launch a scholarship project under the JDS grant program, valued at approximately $500,000.

“Today, they held a fruitful exchange of views with JICA on areas of existing and potential cooperation,” Sybiha added, underscoring the importance of such initiatives for strengthening bilateral ties.

Key participants in the meeting included:

• Andrii Sybiha
• Yuko Mitsui
• Toshimitsu Motegi
• Heorhii Tykhyi

The meeting reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast and dedicated support for the Ukrainian people during challenging times. This collaboration highlights the critical role of international aid in rebuilding infrastructure and preserving cultural heritage. Japan’s active involvement in humanitarian and reconstruction projects, combined with educational initiatives like the new scholarship program, aims to strengthen Ukraine’s human capital and long-term recovery efforts.

In addition to the restoration of Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, Andrii Sybiha proposed several new initiatives for Ukraine during his discussions with Japanese officials. These new recovery projects aim to further enhance cooperation between the two nations and address Ukraine's pressing needs for reconstruction and development.