Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 11 August, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov took part in an extraordinary meeting of the heads of the foreign affairs agencies of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue in the format of a video conference. This was reported by the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

The event was also attended by the Foreign Ministers of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi, the Republic of Kazakhstan - Mukhtar Tleuberdi, the Kyrgyz Republic - Chingiz Aidarbekov, the Republic of Tajikistan - Sirojiddin Mukhriddin and Turkmenistan - Rashid Meredov.

During the videoconference, issues of joint fight against coronavirus infection and prevention of its consequences, prospects for strengthening and further development of cooperation in the current conditions of a pandemic were discussed.

The parties noted the importance of creating a multilateral mechanism of cooperation between the relevant departments of the countries participating in the Dialogue for the exchange of information, experience and methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of dangerous infections, as well as scientific research in the field of epidemiology.

An interest was expressed in establishing ties in the field of training medical personnel, implementing joint projects in the field of pharmaceuticals and the production of medicines.

The need to take appropriate efforts to ensure high dynamics of cooperation and sustainable development of the economies of the countries of Central Asia and Japan was emphasized. In particular, support to the agricultural sector to alleviate the food crisis.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan informed the participants of the meeting about the measures taken in Uzbekistan aimed at effectively countering coronavirus infection, comprehensive support of vulnerable segments of the population, as well as ensuring the stable functioning of the sectors of the republic's economy.

The Uzbek side proposed to develop and adopt a Program of interaction on the issues of ensuring epidemiological security and cooperation in countering cross-border epidemics between the states of Central Asia and Japan.

The talks also considered other issues of multilateral interaction.