Japan-Turkmenistan Relations
Japan-Turkmenistan Summit Telephone Talk
May 13, 2021
On May 13, commencing at 4:00 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, had a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly BERDIMUHAMEDOV, President of Turkmenistan. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- Prime Minister Suga began by expressing his condolences for the passing of President Berdimuhamedov's father. PM Suga further stated that Japan attaches great importance to "quality infrastructure" and welcomed the involvement of Japanese companies in the implementation of many large-scale projects in Turkmenistan. President Berdimuhamedov highly appreciated and expressed his expectations for economic cooperation between the two countries.
- Prime Minister Suga noted that next year will be the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and stated that he intends to continue to support the "open, stable and self-sustained" development of Central Asia through the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue. The two leaders concurred on continuing to enhance their cooperation.
- Prime Minister Suga expressed serious concerns regarding China’s unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, including the Coast Guard Law, the situation surrounding Hong Kong, and the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. He asked for cooperation in responding to North Korea, including on the abduction issue. President Berdimuhamedov stated that he would like to continue to cooperate in the international arena as well.