Uzbekistan and Japan have upgraded their ties to expanded strategic partnership. This was stated in a joint statement signed by the President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi following talks in Tokyo on Saturday.
The two leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Statement would elevate cooperation to a new level and open broad horizons for expanding collaboration.
The talks addressed the ways to deepen Uzbek-Japanese relations. Shavkat Mirziyoyev underscored that Japan had been Uzbekistan’s close friend and a key technological and investment partner for the 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. He added that Japan had made a significant contribution to the creation of modern industrial and energy infrastructure and the development of the country's human resources.
The Japanese Prime Minister called Shavkat Mirziyoyev's first visit in six years (he visited the country in December 2019) a significant event and underscored that Uzbek-Japanese relations had traditionally been built on the principles of exceptional trust and mutual respect.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev identified green energy and industrial decarbonization, information technology, critical minerals, cooperation in mechanical engineering, and the modernization of healthcare and tourism infrastructure as key areas for developing partnership with Japan.
The Japanese Prime Minister underscored that Uzbekistan, rich in mineral resources such as uranium, was an important partner for Japan's economic security. She expressed hope for strengthening cooperation through geological exploration supported by the Japanese government.
Sanae Takaichi reported that, as part of its support for Uzbekistan's sustainable economic growth, Japan had decided to provide yen loans for livestock development, grants for the purchase of medical equipment, and private investment financing to improve access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
She also announced Japan's intention to contribute to improving global supply chains, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the "Middle Corridor."
Shavkat Mirziyoyev reported that a portfolio of over $12 billion worth projects had been created in preparation for the current summit. A joint investment platform was proposed for their promotion.
An agreement was reached to create a special economic zone based on the Japanese model and standards in the Samarkand province. Support was given to the proposal to scale up the "One Village, One Product" program, implemented jointly with Japanese partners. The first Forum of Provinces of the two countries is scheduled to be held in Samarkand next year.
Uzbekistan and Japan have long cooperated in education and personnel training. The Uzbek-Japanese Human Resources Center operates in Tashkent. The Rectors' Forum has been held since 2010. A joint Uzbek-Japanese University and the University of Tsukuba are to open in Tashkent. In honor of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, cross-cultural years will be held in 2027.
