Japan-Kazakhstan Relations
Japan-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On August 25, commencing at 9:55 a.m. (1:55 p.m. on August 25, Japan time) Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, during his visit to Kazakhstan, held a meeting, signing and Exchange of Notes on grant aid and Joint Press Annoucement for approximately one hour and 30 minutes, with H.E. Mr. Murat NURTLEU, Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The overview is as follows :
1. Japan-Kazakhstan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
- Opening Remarks
- a. Minister Nurtleu welcomed Minister Iwaya’s first visit to Kazakhstan and expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with Japan in a wide range of fields through the second meeting with him this year.
- b. In response, Minister Iwaya said he was delighted that his visit to Kazakhstan had been realized, and stated his willingness to further strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- Bilateral Relations
- a. Minister Iwaya welcomed the continuing active exchange of high-level officials between two countries. Furthermore, Minister Iwaya stated that he would like to further develop bilateral relations by strengthening relations in economic areas, including through the Joint Crediting Mechanism(JCM), the mineral resources and attracting Japanese companies, as well as in the areas of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
- b. Minister Nurtleu expressed his appreciation to the assistance from Japan, including cooperation for disaster prevention and mitigation and support for victims of nuclear testing as well as his willingness to strengthen cooperation in all areas, including politics, trade, investment and economic relations.
- “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue
The Ministers concurred on accelerating coordination in order to hold the Summit meeting of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue, which was postponed in August last year, as early as possible.
2. Signing and Exchange of Notes on grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme, and Joint Press Announcement
Following the Foreign Minister’s meeting, Exchange of Notes on grant aid for the Economic and Social Development Programme (support for victims of nuclear testing: provision of medical equipments) was signed and exchanged by both foreign ministers.
The Joint Press Anouncement was held by both foreign ministers, and it was announced that they will strengthen their cooperation to further develop bilateral relations and work towards the successful holding of the Summit meeting of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue.