Deputy Head of Mission Michio Harada visited Mariupol

　 On November 1-2 the Deputy Head of Mission, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine Michio Harada visited Mariupol to hold a meeting with the City Mayor Vadym Boichenko and participate in the Sakura Planting Ceremony in Prymorskyi Park.

　 The Mayor of Mariupol Vadym Boichenko welcomed the Minister-Councellor and thanked Japan for the reconstruction assistance it has been providing since 2014 responding to the difficult conditions in eastern Ukraine. He said that although the situation in Mariupol has stabilized, there are still many reconstruction-related problems, including the infrastructure, so the Strategy 2021 has been developed, and the Mayor spares no effort to ensure the city’s development. In turn, Michio Harada said he was happy to visit Mariupol and meet the Mayor. He also noted that Japan supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and will continue to provide various assistance to Mariupol and Ukraine, as long as Ukraine works for the implementation of domestic reforms.

　 More information about the meeting can be found on the official website of the Mariupol City Council: http://mariupolrada.gov.ua/news/59fac4960755f

　 In the framework of the Year of Japan in Ukraine sakura trees are planted all over Ukraine, and on November 2 Minister-Counsellor Harada, together with Mayor Boichenko and other representatives of the city authorities, planted 20 sakura trees in Mariupol. During the ceremony which was held in the Prymorskyi Park, the Mayor said that relations between Japan and Ukraine continue for more than 20 years and has not changed even in the this difficult situation Ukraine is now facing. He also noted that Japan has provided tremendous assistance to Ukraine, and the sakura trees planted will become a symbol of peace. In turn, Michio Harada said that Japan supports the Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and asked locals to take care of the trees granted. He also expressed hopes that Mariupol citizens would enjoy these trees and conveyed eagerness to visit the city in 10-20 years in order to look at blooming sakura trees together with Mayor Boichenko.

More information about the ceremony can be found on the official website of the Mariupol City Council:
http://mariupolrada.gov.ua/news/%C2%ABvisadzhenni-sakuri-stanut-dlja-mariupolja-simvolom-miru%C2%BB---vadim-bojchenko

Video on local TV:
https://mariupol.tv/news/city_and_district_councils/mariupol/20065/yaponskaya_delegaciya_vysadila_v_mariupole_sakury.html