(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) announced in December two years ago that Japan joined the “Demining Coalition” to support Ukraine, which is participated by willing nations such as European countries. I would like to inform you that we have decided to provide educational support for the purpose of enhancing the demining capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a result of coordination with the Coalition’s participating countries. To be specific, the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) will dispatch two instructors to an educational training course for Ukrainian soldiers, which will take place in Lithuania and be conducted together with Lithuania and five Nordic countries from November 3 to December 5. We believe that contributing to enhancing the demining capability of the Armed Forces of Ukraine through Japan’s educational support is a highly significant effort as it will contribute to improving the humanitarian situation of the Ukrainian people who are facing difficulties. In addition, we believe this effort will lead to strengthening Japan’s relations with Lithuania, which will host the educational training course, and with the Nordic countries. Additionally, in the “IT Coalition,” in which the MOD has also announced membership, the MOD/SDF will hold a workshop to share our cybersecurity knowledge with Ukraine. We intend to continue to support Ukraine to the fullest extent possible in close cooperation with the international community.