Mirziyoyev and Takaichi Discuss Expansion of the Strategic Partnership Between Uzbekistan and Japan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Talks were held in Tokyo between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Sanae Takaichi, focusing on prospects for deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The discussions covered virtually all key areas of interstate cooperation.

The Prime Minister of Japan warmly welcomed the head of Uzbekistan and emphasized that the current visit represents an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations, which have traditionally been built on trust and mutual respect. She noted that over the 33 years of diplomatic relations, Japan has remained a close friend of Uzbekistan and one of its key technological and investment partners, making a significant contribution to the development of the country’s industrial and energy infrastructure as well as to human capital development.

The sides expressed satisfaction with the steady growth in bilateral trade, investment volumes, and the number of joint ventures involving Japanese capital. Companies such as Sojitz, Toyota Tsusho, Sumitomo, Itochu, Kyoto Plaza, Balcom, and Shikoku Electric are successfully operating in Uzbekistan, implementing projects in energy, geology, tourism, information technology, infrastructure, and other priority sectors. The portfolio of joint projects with JICA and JBIC spans energy, petrochemicals, transport, education, and agriculture.

During the talks, the need to intensify cooperation formats was discussed, including parliamentary friendship groups, economic committees, and sectoral meetings. The President of Uzbekistan outlined key areas for further partnership, including green energy and industrial decarbonization, information technologies, development of critical minerals, cooperation in mechanical engineering, and the modernization of healthcare and tourism infrastructure.

It was noted that the new portfolio of joint projects prepared for the summit exceeds US$12 billion. To facilitate their implementation, proposals were made to establish a joint investment platform and to create a special economic zone based on the Japanese model in the Samarkand region. The initiative to scale up the “One Village – One Product” program was also supported. Measures to expand mutual trade and develop interregional ties were discussed, including the organization of the first Forum of Regions of the two countries in Samarkand next year.

Particular attention was given to humanitarian cooperation and human resources development. The Uzbek-Japanese Human Resources Development Center is operating successfully in the country, Japanese language programs are taught at seven universities, and the Uzbek language is taught at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. The Forum of Rectors serves as an important platform for the exchange of experience, where agreements have been reached to expand scientific and innovation programs. In cooperation with the University of Tsukuba, plans are underway to establish the first Uzbek-Japanese University in Tashkent.

To further develop cultural and tourism ties, it was proposed to hold reciprocal Culture Days, exhibitions, youth forums, and film festivals. In honor of the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in 2027, cross-cultural years are planned.

The parties also exchanged views on regional and international issues. Following the meeting, the President of Uzbekistan and the Prime Minister of Japan signed a Joint Statement on an Expanded Strategic Partnership for Future Generations, aimed at elevating bilateral relations to a new level.

As part of the visit, a package of agreements was also signed in the fields of education, healthcare, ecology, water resources, transport, urban development, tourism, agriculture, and disaster risk reduction. A ceremonial exchange of documents took place.