(MENAFN- UkrinForm) According to Ukrinform, the head of state announced this on Telegram.

"I had a very good conversation with Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, and I thank her for supporting our people – for her respect to the bravery of Ukrainians. I congratulated the Prime Minister on the start of her tenure, and we discussed how we can unite our efforts to bring more security and development to both our peoples and our regions," Zelensky said.

Zelensky informed Takaichi about Ukraine's intention to develop a controlled weapons export system and "to build strong partnerships for the joint production of modern weapons capable of protecting our friends from threats." He also stressed the need to bolster Ukraine's air defenses to protect civilian lives and energy infrastructure, which remains a primary target for Russia.

"We deeply value Japan's and the Prime Minister's readiness to assist us in the energy sector by providing the necessary equipment that will help our cities and communities this winter. Of course, we are also interested in expanding cooperation with Japan in reconstruction and recovery," Zelensky said.

Read also: Japan can provide Ukraine with all types of assistance except lethal weapons – Presidential Office

According to him, the conversation also touched upon the diplomatic situation and the opportunities for effective pressure on Russia to compel it toward genuine diplomacy and ending the war.

"I invited the Prime Minister to visit Ukraine. I am confident that Ukraine and Japan have even greater potential for cooperation than they do now, and we look forward to achieving joint results," Zelensky said.

Since 2022, Japan has provided Ukraine with $8.7 billion in budgetary assistance, including $955 million in grants.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine

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