Japan-Turkmenistan Relations
Japan-Turkmenistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On April 30, commencing at 5 p.m. (local time) for approximately 120 minutes, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held a foreign ministers’ meeting with H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, during his visit to Turkmenistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening remarks
Foreign Minister Meredov welcomed Foreign Minister Kishida, as well as the increase in exchanges in recent years between the two countries, including mutual visits at the summit level. Foreign Minister Kishida expressed his pleasure at being the first Japanese foreign minister to visit Turkmenistan on the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Turkmenistan, and stated his gratitude for the great efforts of Turkmenistan as the chair country of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue.
2. Bilateral relations
Foreign Minister Kishida stated that the steady implementation of the agreements concluded by the leaders of Japan and Turkmenistan on the occasion of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Turkmenistan in 2015 is of the utmost importance, and held an exchange of views with Foreign Minister Meredov regarding various economic matters and cooperation in the area of human resources development. Foreign Minister Meredov stated that the bilateral relationship has been developing dynamically in recent years and that he wishes to further strengthen relations in the areas of political dialogue, trade and economics, and cultural and personal exchanges.
The two ministers also agreed to begin negotiations on a bilateral investment treaty and to further strengthen bilateral economic relations.
3. Regional affairs
Concerning the situation in North Korea, Foreign Minister Kishida stated that North Korea’s launch of yet another ballistic missile immediately after the United Nations Security Council held discussions on the denuclearization of North Korea is a direct challenge to the international community and can absolutely not be tolerated. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Kishida stated his intention to work together with Turkmenistan to ensure that North Korea renounces its nuclear and missile programs, including ensuring the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions (PDF)
. Foreign Minister Kishida also sought understanding and support regarding the abductions issue. In response, Foreign Minister Meredov stated that Japan and Turkmenistan share the same fundamental position and that Turkmenistan intends to work together with Japan.
Both ministers also exchanged views on nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, and the state of affairs in Afghanistan.