Japan and Uzbekistan Hold First Strategic Dialogue

On August 27 in Tashkent, Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iwaya Takeshi, met his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov for the inaugural Japan-Uzbekistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue. The talks, which lasted around 90 minutes, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and regional cooperation.

Minister Saidov welcomed Minister Iwaya on his first official visit to Uzbekistan and voiced his commitment to expanding cooperation with Japan in diverse areas through this new dialogue framework. Minister Iwaya, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the invitation and stressed that Japan regards Uzbekistan as an important strategic partner in upholding a free and open international order founded on the rule of law.

Bilateral Relations

Minister Iwaya highlighted the steady exchange of senior officials between the two nations and noted the growing presence of Japanese businesses in Uzbekistan. He also underlined Japan’s interest in further advancing ties through initiatives such as the Joint Crediting Mechanism and human resource exchanges.

Minister Saidov conveyed his appreciation for Japan’s assistance and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to enhance cooperation in politics, trade, investment, the economy, culture and tourism.

«Central Asia plus Japan» Dialogue

Both ministers agreed to expedite preparations for the long-delayed «Central Asia plus Japan» Summit, which had been postponed last August, and expressed the hope that it could take place soon.

Following their discussions, the two foreign ministers signed a joint document setting out future directions for cooperation. They also presented agreements on two grant projects concluded on August 27: the Human Resource Development Scholarship programme (JDS) and a project aimed at promoting economic activities in the Surkhandarya region by supporting the self-reliance of vulnerable groups, including Afghan nationals.