On 29 July, the first meeting of the Ukrainian-Japanese Joint Commission on Cooperation in Education, Science and Technology was held in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The event brought together Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Oksen Lisovyi and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan Masahito Moriyama.

The meeting began with solemn greetings, with Oksen Lisovyi thanking the Government of Japan for its consistent support of Ukraine, condemnation of russian aggression and joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The Joint Commission focused on the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine through education, science and technology. During the meeting, the parties discussed ways to facilitate academic exchanges between Ukraine and Japan, joint research projects and studies, as well as cooperation in vocational education. In particular, they discussed the possibility of transferring computer devices for distance education to Ukraine, establishing contacts with Japanese businesses to provide educational institutions with modern equipment, and creating joint training centres.

"Today it is more important than ever to develop research, technology and innovation. Ukraine is gaining unique experience in defence technology, security, digital education, and the medical, agricultural, and energy sectors, which can serve as a valuable basis for research, development, and testing of new technologies. We propose to work together to create innovative solutions that will help not only Ukraine but also other countries to overcome such challenges," said Oksen Lisovyi.

The Japanese side announced its intention to translate into Ukrainian and donate 25,000 books for children in pre-school and primary schools. The Japanese Minister also spoke in detail about the opportunities for study and internships for Ukrainian students and researchers in Japan and offered students from Ukraine to study in Japan in the fields of Japanese language and culture, science and technology.

Finally, the ministers signed the General Results of the first meeting of the Ukrainian-Japanese Joint Commission on Cooperation in Education, Science and Technology.

The parties agreed to prepare a list of projects in education, science and technology for the next meeting of the Joint Commission for their approval and further implementation.