Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Japan organized an online meeting in the format of a video conference with the participation of the Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Relations with Foreign Countries under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan R. Kurbanov and President of the Japan-Uzbekistan Association Nobuhiko Shima, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Yoshiko Kawabata Association.

During the talks, the sides discussed issues of developing cultural, humanitarian and friendly ties between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The Japanese side was familiarized with the activities of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Relations and the tasks of developing international cultural, humanitarian and tourism ties in Uzbekistan. 

It was emphasized that despite the restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic, the Uzbek and Japanese sides continued contacts through diplomatic channels and prepared a Memorandum of Understanding for signing. The document provides for the holding of various events, seminars and forums, as well as the implementation of bilateral exchange programs.

N. Shima noted that the Association has been working on the development of bilateral friendly relations and wide acquaintance with Uzbekistan among the Japanese public for over 20 years. The Japanese interest in culture, history and sights of Uzbekistan, which is located at the central crossroads of the Great Silk Road, is growing. He stressed that the historical building of the Alisher Navoi Theater in Tashkent, built with the participation of Japanese internees, is a great symbol of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

Y. Kawabata noted that the Japanese side is ready to expand friendly exchanges and organize a visit of representatives of the Association to Uzbekistan in 2021, which was postponed due to the pandemic.

At the end of the online meeting, the ceremony of signing a memorandum of understanding between the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Relations with Foreign Countries and the Japan-Uzbekistan Association took place.