On 1 August, Rostyslav Karandieiev, Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, met with the team of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The parties discussed possible support for Ukraine in implementing infrastructure projects in the cultural sector.

“We are working to bring the storage facilities for cultural property in museums in line with technical requirements. We also need to create a specialised depository, including the development of project documentation and financial support for technical re-equipment. In addition, another global project is the renovation of the National Restoration Centre. This institution is working at its maximum capacity, but in rented, unsuitable premises. We have already found a place to relocate. Now we need to re-equip and upgrade the skills of our employees,” Rostyslav Karandieiev said.

The Minister also emphasised the information challenges. Ukraine is now actively stepping up its work with the frontline territories that are most exposed to enemy propaganda, so we are interested in cooperation with the Japanese side on information support for these regions.

‘Our team deals with the reconstruction and restoration of Ukraine. We are providing assistance to meet emergency needs, but we are also interested in cooperation on cultural issues because we understand its potential. Culture is a source of energy for the direct reconstruction and restoration of cities in specific countries,’ said Naomichi Murooka, Deputy Director General, Urban and Regional Development Group, Infrastructure Management Department of JICA.

As a reminder, on 29 July, in Kyiv, Rostyslav Karandieiev met with Masahito Moriyama, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The Japanese minister confirmed that Japan would continue to provide comprehensive support to Ukraine, particularly in the fields of culture and media.