Japan-Uzbekistan Relations
Courtesy call on President MIRZIYOYEV of the Republic of Uzbekistan by Foreign Minister HAYASHI
April 29, 2022
Courtesy Call on President MIRZIYOYEV by Foreign Minister HAYASHI
(Photo: The government of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
On April 29, commencing at 5:45 p.m. (local time; same day, 9:45 p.m. JST) for approximately 60 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Republic of Uzbekistan, paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, President Mirziyoyev said he sincerely welcomes Minister Hayashi's visit and is confident that this visit will open up new perspectives for bilateral strategic partnerships. He expressed his appreciation for Japan's cooperation in infrastructure development and human resource development, as well as the active investment and expansion of Japanese companies, and welcomed the steady implementation of all agreements made during his own visit to Japan in 2019. Minister Hayashi stated that he was delighted to make his first visit to Uzbekistan in twelve years as Japan's Foreign Minister, on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uzbekistan, with gratitude for Uzbekistan’s warm welcome. He stated that Uzbekistan is an important partner in maintaining a free and open international order, and welcomed the further deepening and expansion of the strategic partnership between the two countries thanks to President Milziyoyev's visit to Japan in December 2019. Both sides agreed to further develop bilateral relations, including cooperation through the "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue, while valuing the historical connection between the two countries.
- Regarding the situation in Afganistan, Minister Hayashi stated that Japan’ support in constructing power plants in Uzbekistan contributes to supplying electricity to Afghanistan as well, and he is pleased that the two countries have cooperated to contribute to regional stability. President Milziyoyev pointed out the importance of stabilizing Afghanistan through dialogue and avoiding humanitarian crises, and stated that he would like to continue cooperation for regional stability.
- Minister Hayashi stated Japan’s basic position on Russia’s recent invasion of Ukraine, and emphasized the necessity of a united response from the international community. President Milziyoyev expressed his hope that a peaceful solution would be achieved based on the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. He also pointed out the consistent support for Japan's permanent membership in the Security Council and the need for UN Security Council reform. Both sides affirmed that they would continue to work closely at various levels on international issues, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.
- Both sides also discussed the situation in East Asia. Both sides confirmed that they share the same position and continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue.