On Monday, December 4, Keio University, Sophia University, and Tohoku University collaborated to hold their third workshop for the "On Ukraine's Recovery and Future" series. The workshop was titled, "The Lublin Triangle and Japan," and was hosted at Keio University's Mita Campus. The workshop focused on Ukraine's reconstruction and development going forward, and how Japan can cooperate with the regional alliance consisting of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania, known as the "Lublin Triangle."
Vice-President Motohiro Tsuchiya served as the moderator for this workshop. Following an opening address by President Itoh, H.E. Dr. Sergiy Korsunsky, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Japan, took to the stage and delivered his keynote speech where he spoke passionately about the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine. Ambassador Korsunsky explained the historical background behind the cooperative alliance of the Lublin Triangle. He also brought attention to issues that Ukraine is facing and stressed the need for the international community to work together in supporting Ukraine.
After that, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Poland to Japan, H.E. Mr. Paweł Milewski, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lithuania to Japan, H.E. Dr. Aurelijus Zykas, discussed the rationale for their respective countries' support for Ukraine's independence and recovery. They further elaborated on support measures and initiatives that are actively being carried out. They also expressed their expectations for Japan, which has considerable experience in post-disaster reconstruction during the aftermath of World War II, natural disasters, and similar circumstances.
In addition, Professor Takeshi Yuasa of the Department of Russian Studies in the Faculty of Foreign Studies at Sophia University delivered a lecture titled "Regionalism in Eurasia after Russia's Invasion of Ukraine." Following that, Professor Hidenori Tozawa, Dean of the Graduate School and Faculty of Law at Tohoku University, gave a talk based on the theme, "US-Follower, 'Checkbook Diplomacy' or as a Middle Power? On the Possibilities and Limits of Japanese Diplomacy in a Turbulent World."
Professor Yuichi Hosoya of Keio University's Department of Political Science in the Faculty of Law then moderated a panel discussion which featured varied opinions and perspectives from their respective speakers. After that, a Q&A session was held with the audience which included international students, providing an invaluable opportunity for them to hear directly from the ambassadors who were representing each nation.
Finally, in her closing remarks, Professor Yoko Hirose of the Faculty of Policy Management at Keio University thanked the participants and expressed her hopes for the future. The workshop was attended by high school and university students, researchers, and others from outside Keio University, providing an opportunity to gain a new perspective on the conflict in Ukraine from the lens of the "Lublin Triangle."
The first workshop; hosted by Sophia University
The second workshop; hosted by Tohoku University