On March 27, Andrii Nadzhos, Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for European Integration, held a meeting with Hideki Matsunaga, the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Ukraine.The discussion focused on ways to support Ukrainian media, especially in frontline and recently liberated areas.
Andrii Nadzhos expressed gratitude to Japan for its ongoing support of Ukraine’s media sector and for the strong collaboration between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of ongoing assistance to the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (UA:PBC) through the “Capacity Development Project for the Public Broadcaster of Ukraine”, as well as continued media support in frontline and de-occupied regions, particularly for print media.
“Japan’s partnership is crucial not only for rebuilding physical infrastructure but also for creating a strong media ecosystem that will protect Ukraine’s information security and function effectively, particularly at the regional level”, said the Deputy Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine for European Integration.
The Ukrainian side also reported on the damages caused by russian attacks, including the destruction of the Multimedia Broadcasting Platform of Ukraine office and the FREEДОМ channel. The meeting also addressed challenges stemming from the suspension of USAID support and the provision of grants for independent media under the new EU aid package.
JICA representatives confirmed their commitment to continue supporting Ukrainian broadcasting through grants and technical assistance, as well as to launch new initiatives to strengthen the media sector.
