Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi held negotiations in Tokyo. 

The issues of further deepening the Uzbek-Japanese strategic partnership, which covers almost all spheres of interstate cooperation, were substantively discussed.

Warmly greeting the Head of our state, the Prime Minister of Japan called the current visit an important miles in the history of Uzbek-Japanese ties, which have traditionally been built on the principles of special trust and mutual respect.

Over the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Japan has always been a close friend and one of Uzbekistan's key technological and investment partners, making a significant contribution to the creation of modern industrial and energy infrastructure and the development of the republic's human potential.

The steady growth in trade turnover, investment volume, and the number of joint ventures with Japanese capital was noted with satisfaction.

Leading Japanese companies such as Sojitz, Toyota Tsusho, Sumitomo, Itochu, Kyoto Plaza, Balcom, and Shikoku Electric are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, implementing important projects in energy, geology, tourism, infrastructure development, IT and other priority sectors.

The portfolio of joint projects with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) covers areas such as energy, petrochemistry, transport, education, and agriculture.

During the talks, the importance of intensifying cooperation formats was noted, including parliamentary friendship groups, committees on economic cooperation, and sectoral meetings in priority areas.

The Head of our state outlined several key areas for the development of the strategic partnership with Japan. These include green energy and industrial decarbonization, information technology, critical minerals, cooperation in mechanical engineering, and modernization of healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

It was noted with satisfaction that in preparation for the current summit, a new portfolio of cooperation projects worth over $12 billion has been formed. In order to promote them, it was proposed to create a joint investment platform.

Furthermore, plans were announced to create a special economic zone in Samarkand region based on the Japanese model and standards.

The proposal to scale up the jointly implemented “One Village, One Product” program received support.

Existing opportunities and ways to increase mutual trade and expand interregional contacts were also discussed. It was proposed to hold the first Forum of Regions of the two countries in the city of Samarkand next year.

Particular attention was paid to intensifying humanitarian exchange. The sphere of education and personnel training is traditionally a key component of multifaceted relations.

The Uzbek-Japanese Center for Human Resources Development operates successfully in our country, providing our youth with a wide range of opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills for the subsequent implementation of business projects.

The Japanese language is studied at 7 universities in Uzbekistan. The Uzbek language has been taught at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies for over 10 years.

The Forum of Rectors serves as an important platform for exchanging experience in the field of personnel training. Today, a meeting has been held with the rectors of leading Japanese universities. Agreements were reached on expanding cooperation programs, as well as scientific and innovative exchanges.

It’s planned to establish the first Uzbek-Japanese University in Tashkent with the University of Tsukuba.

To expand cultural and tourism ties, it was proposed to hold regular mutual culture days, exhibitions, youth forums, and film festivals. On the eve of the visit, the Days of Uzbek Culture in Japan were successfully held.

In honor of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, cross-cultural years will be held in 2027.
During the talks, views were also exchanged on current regional and international issues.

Following the talks, the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Japan signed a Joint Statement on an expanded strategic partnership for future generations. It was emphasized that this document will undoubtedly elevate interaction to a new level and present broad horizons for expanding multifaceted cooperation.

In the framework of the visit, a substantial package of agreements was also adopted in the fields of education, healthcare, ecology, water resources, transport, urban planning, tourism, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. A ceremony for the documents’ exchange took place.