Bohdan Drapyaty: Japan continues steadfast support of Ukraine in the field of demining
This was emphasized by the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine during a visit to Japan, which was the continuation of a working trip to the Kingdom of Cambodia. The Ukrainian delegation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Economy held a series of meetings with the leadership of the Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) and discussed further steps to develop cooperation in the field of mine protection activities.
As a result of Russia's full-scale invasion, more than 156,000 square kilometers of Ukraine are considered potentially mined. More than a year ago, this figure amounted to 174 thousand square kilometers. As stated during the constituent meeting with the JICA leadership, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Bohdan Drapiaty, thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian sappers and the support of international partners, it was possible to survey and mine more than 18 thousand square kilometers of territories.
“We are grateful to the Government of Japan and JICA for supporting the capabilities of Ukrainian sappers. During the full-scale war, the State Emergency Service received more than $30 million in technical assistance from JICA. These are specialized crane trucks, vehicles for the transportation of personnel, modern metal detectors, protective equipment. But our most important joint project is the development of the SNSS Training Center, which will prepare sappers and test the latest equipment,” Bohdan Drapiaty said.
JICA Senior Vice President Katsura Miyazaki, during a meeting with the Ukrainian delegation, expressed words of support for the people of Ukraine in the terrible war unleashed by Russia. She stressed Japan's willingness to help our country in the long term in the field of mine prevention and recovery.
Director General of JICA Department for Governance and Peacebuilding Junko Masuda noted that our countries have a successful history of cooperation and mutual understanding.
“Ukraine has shown everyone resilience and striving for development. We support and promote it. JICA has prepared a project in which it identified the basic directions of recovery and development of Ukraine. Separately, we focused on strengthening the capabilities of SNS pyrotechnics in the field of demining, which is why it was so important for us that you visit Cambodia and get acquainted with SMAS experience. I was glad to hear your positive feedback. SMAS has been engaged in mining, preparation, testing of the latest equipment for more than 30 years. I am convinced that thanks to their experience and new methods, Ukraine will need much less time to clear its territories of explosive objects,” said Ms. Masuda.
The Ukrainian delegation also visited the production of NIKKEN mechanized demining machines and a training center for special transport operators in Yamanashi Prefecture. According to the JICA, the fire engines of the SNS will receive 22 mechanized demining machines from the Government of Japan. Of these, 12 are produced by NIKKEN and another 10 are from another Japanese manufacturer.
“We have seen these machines at work in the minefields of Cambodia. These are modern, efficient machines, there are none in Ukraine yet. By the end of this year, we expect 14 units from the Government of Japan and JICA, the remaining 8 by April next year,” said Bohdan Drapiaty.
For reference: The Japan Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) is a government agency that coordinates official development assistance, promotes economic and social growth in developing countries, and their international cooperation.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
