Tokyo, 8 September 2022 (TDI): The Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Japan, Mukhsinkhuja Abdurakhmonov paid a courtesy call to the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Yumi Yoshikawa. The meeting took place on Thursday.
アブドゥラフモノフ駐日ウズベキスタン大使による吉川外務大臣政務官への表敬
9月8日、 #吉川外務大臣政務官 は、アブドゥラフモノフ駐日 #ウズベキスタン 大使による表敬を受けました。
https://t.co/545JcLAZzl pic.twitter.com/p2YpD7vhyo— 外務省 (@MofaJapan_jp) September 8, 2022
During the meeting, both sides highlighted bilateral relations between the Government of Japan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.
On the occasion, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan congratulated Minister Yumi on being appointed as the Parliamentary Vice-Minister. Moreover, the Ambassador also highlighted looking forward to the strengthening of ties between both countries.
30 years of diplomatic relations
2022 marks the anniversary of 30 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uzbekistan. Accordingly, Ambassador Mukhsinkhuja emphasized the strategic partnership between both countries in the last 30 years.
Moreover, the Ambassador highlighted that cooperation between both countries has further strengthened due to the close contact between officials of governments of both countries.
Also Read: Uzbekistan, Japan celebrate 30 years of diplomatic ties
On the occasion, he also recalled Japanese Foreign Minister Hyashi’s visit to Uzbekistan in April 2022. During his visit, Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa met the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The Foreign Minister of also met the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Sardor Umurzakov.
In his meetings, The Foreign Minister highlighted relations between both countries and expressed Japan’s stance on issues of regional and international dynamics like the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador also looked back on the telephonic conversation between Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan in June.
During the conversation, both sides highlighted the situation in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and East Asia. Moreover, the President of Uzbekistan also expressed his intention in participating in the Expo 2025 in Japan.
Consequently, Ambassador Mukhsinkhuja pointed out that relations between both countries have progressed highly after the visit of President Mirziyoyev to Japan in December 2019.
During his visit, he attended the Japan-Uzbekistan Summit hosted by Prime Minster, Shinzo Abe of Japan.
Cooperation in Horticulture
Ambassador Mukhsinkhuja also updated the Vice-Minster about the “Plan for Strengthening the Horticulture Crop Value Chain”.
The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the provision of a dollar-denominated loan by Japan for Phase 2 of this project. Moreover, he highlighted how the Plan is strengthening cooperation in fields like medics, environment, and regional exchange.
On August 29, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a loan agreement with the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Tashkent.
Under this agreement, Japan will provide a loan of up to US $200 million for the Horticulture Value Chain Promotion Project (Phase 2).
Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue
Uzbekistan’s Ambassador and Vice-Minister Yumi also exchanged their views about collaboration within Central Asia plus Japan dialogue.
Japan has long supported infrastructure development and human resource development in Uzbekistan. Therefore, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan affirmed working together for holding the next Foreign Ministers meetings of this Dialogue.
It is noteworthy that both countries cooperate for the stability and development of the Central Asia region under this Framework.
The Central Asia plus Japan dialogue is a political initiative between Japan and the Central Asian nations. These nations consist of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
It aims to create a new framework for cooperation by elevating relations between Japan and Central Asia. Moreover, the purpose of this Framework is to enhance inter-regional collaboration between countries.
