Ukraine's ambassador to Japan has expressed hope that his country will join NATO, following Sweden.

Sergiy Korsunsky was speaking at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The ambassador congratulated Sweden for the completion of accession to NATO. Hungary's parliament on Monday approved that Sweden will become the 32nd member of the military alliance, removing the last hurdle for the country's bid.

Korsunsky said, "We very much hope that Ukraine is the next one."

He added, "If there will be 33 members of NATO, I think everyone will be more secure in Europe."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his intention to apply for NATO membership in September, 2022.

Korsunsky also expressed hope that Japan will provide economic and rebuilding support.

He said Japan has unique experience in reconstruction efforts after World War Two, as well as after earthquakes. He said, "There is no better partner we can have in the world rather than Japan in those efforts."