Ukraine foreign minister eyes visit to Japan in coming days, expected to seek more support
During his first visit to Japan as foreign minister, Sybiha is also likely to meet with other high-ranking officials and ask Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government to strengthen economic sanctions on Russia, the sources said.
Sybiha, who became foreign minister in September, is also expected to exchange views with Japanese officials on North Korea, which has recently been boosting military cooperation with Russia.
The Ukrainian government had initially planned a visit to Japan by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko to coincide with the country's "national day" at the World Exposition in Osaka on Tuesday, but the trip was canceled due to developments in the ongoing conflict.
Kyiv's decision to send Sybiha instead is seen as a signal of Ukraine's continued emphasis on ties with Japan. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's wife, Olena Zelenska, and some ministers are also scheduled to visit Japan.
Sybiha previously served as Ukraine's ambassador to Turkey and deputy head of the office of the president. Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
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