On August 1, Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, Rostyslav Karandieiev, met with the team from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The parties discussed potential support for Ukraine in implementing infrastructure projects in the cultural sphere.
“We are working on bringing storage facilities for cultural assets in museums up to technical standards. We also need to create a specialized repository, including the development of project documentation and financial support for technical re-equipment. Additionally, another major project is the renovation of the National Restoration Center. This institution is operating at full capacity but in rented, unsuitable premises. We have already found a place for relocation. Currently, we are focusing on re-equipping and improving the qualifications of staff,” said Rostyslav Karandieiev.
The head of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy also highlighted the information challenges. Currently, Ukraine is actively intensifying its work with frontline areas that are most exposed to enemy propaganda. Therefore, we are interested in collaborating with the Japanese side on providing information support to these regions.
“Our team is focused on the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. We provide assistance aimed at addressing urgent needs, but we are also interested in collaborating on cultural matters because we recognize its potential. Culture is a source of energy for the direct rebuilding and recovery of cities in specific countries,” said Naomichi Murooka, Deputy General Director of the Local and Regional Development Group, Infrastructure Management Department, JICA.
On July 29, in Kyiv, Acting Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandieiev met with Masahito Moriyama, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. During that meeting, the Japanese Minister confirmed that Japan would continue its comprehensive support for Ukraine, including in the fields of culture and media.