Press Releases
Japan-Tajikistan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On June 26, commencing at 6:45 p.m. for approximately 40 minutes, Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sirodjidin Aslov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, at Iikura House. This was followed by a signing ceremony and dinner. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
As an outcome of the foreign ministers’ meeting, the “Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2014-2016” was signed, as well as the Exchanges of Notes (E/N) for the Grant Aid for Environment / Climate Change Countermeasure Programs “The Project for Rehabilitation of Drinking Water Supply Systems in Pyanj District, Khatlon Region” and Grant Aid for Human Resource Development “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship.”
1. Bilateral Relations
(1) Minister Kishida described that Tajikistan is a lynchpin for the stability of the Central Asian region, and hoped that Japan and Tajikistan can continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, including politics and economy. Minister Kishida also expressed his expectations that Japanese grant aid for water supply and human resource development will contribute to the social development and human resource development of Tajikistan.
(2) Minister Aslov responded that Tajikistan attached importance to its relations with Japan, and reiterated Tajikistan’s appreciation for Japan’s assistance in many sectors since Tajikistan gained independence.
2. “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue
(1) Minister Kishida expressed pleasure that dialogue and cooperation among Central Asian countries were making steady progress under the framework of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, which this year marked its tenth anniversary. Minister Kishida asked for the cooperation of Minister Aslov towards the successful holding of the Fifth Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in the Kyrgyz Republic.
(2) Minister Aslov stated that he would like to join Minister Kishida in celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Dialogue, and affirmed that the Dialogue has forged trust and practical cooperative relations between Central Asian countries and Japan in the ten years since the Dialogue’s establishment.
3. Regional Situation, etc.
(1) Minister Kishida explained Japan’s foreign policy, including the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation.
Minister Aslov stated that the people of Tajikistan would never forget the achievements of Dr. Yutaka Akino, former United Nations Civil Affairs Officer (who was killed in Tajikistan while working to realize peace following the civil war of the country.)
(2) Looking ahead to the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan, Minister Kishida noted that Tajikistan has an increasingly important role in controlling the border and tackling the drug problem to ensure stability in the region, and said Japan will continue to support such efforts.
Minister Aslov commended Japan’s contributions towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.
(3) A candid exchange of views took place on the situation in East Asia and other matters.