Japan-Kazakhstan Relations
Japan-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers' Meeting
April 29, 2022
On April 29, commencing at 10:45 a.m. (local time; same day, 1:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Mukhtar TILEUBERDI, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi explained Kazakhstan's domestic economic reform efforts and stated that Kazakhstan would like to strengthen cooperation with Japan in a wide range of fields, including economic activities. In response, Minister Hayashi stated that he was delighted to make his first visit to Kazakhstan in twelve years as Japan's Foreign Minister, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kazakhstan. He stated that Kazakhstan is a strategic partner in maintaining a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and that he would like to continue to coordinate closely with Kazakhstan. Minister Hayashi also expressed expectations for the progress of cooperation in the fields of economy, economic cooperation, and the environment. In addition, Minister Hayashi pointed that medical cooperation for those who was affected by nuclear test, which began immediately after Kazakhstan’s independence, contributed significantly to the development of bilateral relations, and noted that last year was the 30th anniversary of the closure of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site. Both sides confirmed that they would continue to work together in the fields of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
- Minister Hayashi stated that he would like to cooperate with Kazakhstan on the situation in Afghanistan toward the realization of respect for human rights of all Afghanistan’s people, including girls and minorities, and the establishment of an inclusive political system. He further stated that he highly appreciates Kazakhstan's constructive efforts, such as accepting Afghan international students and exporting food to Afghanistan. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi stated that he highly appreciates Japan's support for Afghanistan. The two ministers affirmed that that they would cooperate toward the stabilization of the region, including Afganistan.
- In addition, Minister Hayashi strongly condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine as a clear violation of international law and pointed out that this is a serious situation that jeopardizes the foundation of the international order, and emphasized the necessity of a united response from the international community. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi mentioned Kazakhstan’s position that Kazakhstan acts in accordance with the basic principles of the Charter of the United Nations and is ready to make diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful solution to the problem. There were explanations of recent exchanges between Kazakhstan and Ukraine and Russia at the leaders and foreign ministers level. The two ministers affirmed that they would continue to work closely at various levels on international issues, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.
- The two ministers also discussed the situation in East Asia. They affirmed that they would continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including the launch of ICBM-class ballistic missiles on the 24th of last month, other nuclear and missile issues, and the abduction issue. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi stated that he would like to continue to cooperate in the international arena.
- After the meeting, the two ministers signed the Action Plan for Cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2022-2023.