Press Releases
Meeting between Foreign Minister MOTEGI and H.E. Mr. Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan
December 15, 2020
On December 15, commencing at 3:30 p.m. for approximately one hour, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Sardor Umurzakov, Deputy Prime-Minister and Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan places significance on its relations with Uzbekistan, which is a geopolitically important country, and expressed pleasure that the two countries have been building close friendship. Minister MOTEGI expressed Japan’s intention to further expand and deepen the bilateral strategic partnership with Uzbekistan in various areas, while responding to difficult circumstances around COVID-19.
- In response, Deputy Prime-Minister Umurzakov appreciated for assistance from Japan, including that for COVID-19 response. He stated Uzbekistan’s intention to continue working closely with Japan to implement economic cooperation projects agreed upon between the two countries on the occasion of President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Japan in December 2019.
- Minister MOTEGI stated that Japan intends to contribute toward the “open, stable, and self-sustained” development of Central Asia through the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue. Minister MOTEGI noted on the importance of a free and open international order, a value shared between Japan and Uzbekistan. Deputy Prime-Minister Umurzakov stated that positions of both countries on international issues of both countries are very close and Uzbekistan will actively work on cooperation through the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue.
- Minister MOTEGI, with a view to further advancing bilateral friendship, expressed hope for Uzbekistan’s active participation in the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2021 as a proof that humanity has defeated the pandemic and the EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. They shared the view on their steady close coordination and cooperation, looking ahead to the 30th anniversary since the establishment of their diplomatic relationship in 2022.