Japan-Uzbekistan Relations
Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Telephone Talk
May 12, 2021
On May 12, commencing at 4:40 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, had a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- Prime Minister Suga stated that Uzbekistan is an important partner for building a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He welcomed deepened and expanded strategic partnership between the two countries following President Mirziyoyev's visit to Japan in December 2019. President Mirziyoyev stated that he would steadily implement all the agreements made during his visit to Japan in the first year of the Reiwa era. Both sides concurred on further developing the cooperative relationship in view of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year, valuing the historical connection between the two countries.
- Prime Minister Suga pointed out that Japan attaches importance to "quality infrastructure" and expressed his expectation that financial support (yen loans) provided by Japan this year in total amount of 35 billion yen for COVID-19 and for electric power generation would be used effectively. President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude for Japan's support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The two leaders concurred on continuing cooperation through the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue.
- 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 Uygur Autonomous Region. The two leaders concurred on the cooperation in responding to North Korea, including on the abduction issue. President Mirziyoyev stated that the two countries share many common positions on international affairs and would like to continue to cooperate in the international arena.