Japan is hosting a conference to discuss how to support Ukraine's reconstruction efforts nearly two years after Russia's invasion started.

The Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction began on Monday morning in Tokyo.

Officials of the two governments and representatives of about 130 Japanese and Ukrainian companies are attending the conference.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio delivered a speech, saying that fighting is still going on in Ukraine and that the situation is not easy.

Kishida stressed that promoting economic reconstruction in Ukraine is an investment for future, and that Japan is committed to strongly assisting such efforts with its public and private sectors working together.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the conference will be the next step for Japan and Ukraine to develop bilateral relations.

He said that by working together, the two countries can turn current challenges into an opportunity for growth and prosperity.

Japan unveiled assistance programs in seven areas, including demining and debris removal, boosting agriculture productivity, and rebuilding electric power and transportation infrastructure.

Fifty-six memorandums of cooperation were signed between Japanese and Ukrainian companies as well as the public and private sectors of both countries.

Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko announced measures taken to help Japanese companies begin operations in Ukraine.

She said that the government has eased some of its travel restrictions covering Ukraine's entire territory.

The minister said members of Japanese companies and organizations involved in reconstruction assistance for Ukraine can now travel to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

A panel discussion among participating firms and talks between Kishida and Shmyhal are scheduled for the afternoon.

Japan aims to encourage the international community to continue supporting Ukraine as some analysts are pointing to donor fatigue among Western countries.