Uzbekistan and Japan: Strategic Partnership at a New Stage
On December 20, 2023, in Tokyo, negotiations were held between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
During the meeting, the parties discussed issues related to the development of bilateral relations and cooperation. The Prime Minister of Japan assessed the visit of the President of Uzbekistan as an important event based on friendship and trust between the two countries.
It was emphasized that throughout the 33-year history of diplomatic relations, Japan has been a close partner of Uzbekistan, making a significant contribution in technological and investment sectors. Japan plays an important role in creating modern industry and energy infrastructure in our country, as well as in the development of human resources.
During the negotiations, issues of expanding cooperation in various sectors of the economy were considered. Special attention was paid to projects implemented with Japanese companies such as Sojitz, Toyota Tsusho, Sumitomo, as well as cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
Joint projects in the fields of energy, petrochemicals, transport, education, and agriculture are being successfully implemented. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined priority directions for developing strategic partnership with Japan.
Among them, areas such as "green" energy, reducing carbon emissions, information technology, healthcare, and modernization of tourism infrastructure were highlighted. It was noted that a portfolio of joint projects worth over 12 billion dollars has been formed during the negotiations, and a proposal was made to create an investment platform.
Additionally, issues of establishing a special economic zone based on Japanese standards in the Samarkand region, expanding the "One Village – One Product" program, and developing interregional ties were discussed. Next year, the first forum between the territories of the two countries is planned to be held in Samarkand.
Important agreements were also reached in the field of humanitarian cooperation. Japanese language is taught at 7 higher education institutions in Uzbekistan.
At the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, the Uzbek language is being studied. It is planned to establish the first Uzbekistan–Japan university in Tashkent in cooperation with Tsukuba University.
Within the framework of cultural relations, it was proposed to hold culture days and other events in both countries. At the end of the negotiations, the parties signed a joint statement aimed at expanding and strengthening the strategic partnership.
It was emphasized that this visit will bring bilateral relations to a new level and create broad opportunities for the development of multifaceted cooperation.
