Ukraine and JICA: Memorandum on Humanitarian Demining inked

At the UMAC 2025 held in Tokyo, Japan, on October 22, 2025, the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.

The document officially confirms the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which plays a key role in supporting Ukraine in combating the mine threat.

The Memorandum was signed by Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev on behalf of Ukraine and by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Masashi Nakagome on behalf of Japan.

"The signing of the Memorandum with JICA enhances security through humanitarian demining and confirms the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Japan in the reabilitation of key sectors of the economy. We greatly appreciate the support of our Japanese partners in combating the mine threat, as well as their willingness to invest in energy, innovation, and sustainable development in Ukraine," said Oleksii Sobolev.

Cooperation between the countries under the Memorandum is envisaged in the following areas:

• demining of agricultural land to restore food security;
• support for Ukrainian manufacturers of demining equipment and the development of innovations in this field;
• strengthening Ukraine's capacity in mine action through joint programs.

Minister Oleksii Sobolev also met with JICA President Akihiko Tanaka, to discuss expanding partnership in priority areas of Ukraine's economic recovery and development.

Energy. JICA confirmed its readiness to consider additional funding to support Ukraine's energy sector, in particular by repurposing existing resources.

Investment. There are plans to sign an investment agreement between Ukraine and Japan, and provide technical assistance to UkraineInvest to boost cooperation with Japanese companies. Support for infrastructure projects and the development of Ukraine's Industrial Strategy were also addressed.

Critical minerals. Special attention was paid to the development of the extraction and processing of critical minerals, such as titanium and lithium, with the possibility of attracting Japanese investors and supplying equipment.

Agricultural sector and environment. The parties talked about launching new irrigation and water management programs, taking into account the consequences of the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, as well as construction waste management projects.