07.02.2025

On February 7, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with a Japanese delegation headed by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Akihisa Nagashima.

Current issues of further deepening Uzbek-Japanese relations of friendship and strategic partnership, enhancing multifaceted cooperation and practical interaction between the two countries were discussed.

Special Advisor Akihisa Nagashima conveyed to the Head of our state sincere greetings and a personal message from Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba.

It was emphasized that Japan views Uzbekistan as a reliable and long-term strategic partner in ensuring and strengthening free and open international cooperation based on the rule of law.

It was particularly noted that the Government of Japan highly appreciates the dynamic development of bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including economic and innovative cooperation, cooperation in the energy sector, industry, infrastructure and social sphere, intensive educational and cultural exchanges, programs in tourism and labor migration, as well as fruitful regional interaction.

In 2024, trade turnover between the countries increased by 35 percent. The portfolio of projects with Japan's leading companies and banks exceeds $12 billion. About 100 joint ventures and organizations, including the Uzbek-Japanese Center, are successfully operating in Uzbekistan.

The leader of Uzbekistan advocated the continuation of active contacts and mutual visits at the high and highest levels. Satisfaction was expressed with the rich agenda of cooperation in trade and economic, investment, financial and technical spheres, including within the framework of the Japanese government's Development Assistance Program.

The President of Uzbekistan also wished the Government of Japan a successful holding of the World Expo, which will start its work in April this year in Osaka.

Views were exchanged on regional interaction in the context of preparations for the upcoming first summit in the format of “Central Asia plus Japan”.