The Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine and the Japan Reconstruction Agency will exchange experience in dealing with the consequences of natural and man-made disasters, as well as provide each other with advisory and technical support in the restoration of affected communities and territories.
The relevant Memorandum of Cooperation and Promotion of Sustainable Urban Recovery was signed by Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine, Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development of Ukraine, and Hiromichi Watanabe, Minister for Reconstruction of Japan.
"The experience of the Reconstruction Agency in restoring infrastructure after the Great East Japan Earthquake and returning stability to the affected areas is invaluable for us. Especially now, when the terrorist act of the russian federation to blow up the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant has led to one of the largest man-made disasters in Europe in recent decades.
The successful experience of our Japanese colleagues will allow us to avoid many mistakes in planning and implementing recovery projects, which means we will be able to save time and do everything much faster and more efficiently.
I am grateful to Minister Hiromichi Watanabe and the team of the Reconstruction Agency for their support and readiness to start practical experience exchange as soon as possible," said Oleksandr Kubrakov.
According to the Minister for Reconstruction of Japan, Hiromichi Watanabe, Japan's experience shows that before the start of full recovery, it is crucial to meet the basic needs of the population of the affected communities, including housing, critical infrastructure (heat, water and electricity supply systems) and restoration of economic activity in the communities.
The parties agreed that the Ministry for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development and the Reconstruction Agency would intensify their exchange of experience in this area in the near future.
The exchange will take place through regular bilateral meetings, workshops and seminars.
The Reconstruction Agency, established in February 2012, is the main body of the Japanese government responsible for the recovery process after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011. The earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant caused a triple disaster.