President of Uzbekistan proposes new initiatives for developing cooperation between Central Asia and Japan
Political
On 20 December, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first summit of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue in Tokyo.
The event, chaired by Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, was also attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
In line with the agenda, prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian states and Japan in key priority areas were reviewed, including the green economy and sustainable development, strengthening connectivity and regional interaction, and human resource development.
In his speech, the Head of our state noted that more than 20 years ago it was Japan that initiated the first dialogue in the “Central Asia Plus” format. A solid foundation for the development of multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Japan is formed by deep historical ties dating back to the times of the Great Silk Road, as well as the similarity of traditions and customs, spiritual, cultural, and family values.
– We highly appreciate that throughout the entire period since the countries of Central Asia gained independence, Japan has acted as our reliable partner and has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the region, the modernization of infrastructure, the industrial and energy base, and the strengthening of scientific, educational, and human resource potential. Therefore, the Central Asian states are interested in expanding and more active presence of Japan in the region, – stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The region’s rich natural resources, its location at the crossroads of global transport, trade, and energy routes, the dynamic economic growth of the Central Asian countries, and the active processes of rapprochement and integration taking place here create favorable conditions for cooperation with Japan.
– I am confident that through joint efforts we will reach new heights. As a Japanese proverb says, “if the forces are united, the mountains can be moved,” - noted the leader of Uzbekistan.
Turning to the items on the summit agenda, the President of our country presented his vision for the development of cooperation in the “Central Asia + Japan” format.
First of all, it was proposed to hold summits at the level of heads of state once every two years, which would give an additional strong impetus to cooperation. Readiness was expressed to host one of these future meetings in Uzbekistan.
Japan’s initiative to establish a new permanent mechanism in the field of justice and law, as well as to organize the first meeting of ministers of justice in Tokyo next year, was supported.
The Head of State advocated the development of a “Central Asia – Japan 2040” Cooperation Strategy, including specific programs and projects to promote the sustainable development of the countries of the region and their deeper integration into global economic processes.
The relevance of establishing an Expert Forum with the participation of leading analytical institutions to develop new ideas and proposals and to form a comprehensive cooperation agenda was noted. It was proposed to hold the first meeting of the Forum next year in Tashkent.
The Leader of Uzbekistan welcomed the expansion of support by Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia.
- I am confident that by combining the rich natural and human resources of Central Asia with Japan’s industrial and technological potential, we will be able to achieve an effect of synergy, - stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In this regard, it was proposed to establish an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry of Central Asia, launching on its basis a “Quality Infrastructure” Program, as well as to create a Central Asian network of Japanese technoparks – a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization, and technology transfer.
Taking into account the growing importance of digital transformation in ensuring economic growth and sustainability, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the establishment of a “Central Asia – Japan” Digital Hub – a multilateral cooperation platform in the fields of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and innovation economy.
Interest was expressed in attracting Japanese investment, technologies, and expert support for projects to develop high-speed railways and highways, digitalize transport corridors, and construct airports and logistics centers.
Within the framework of cooperation in the field of green energy, the importance of implementing joint projects to introduce cogeneration technologies, reduce losses, and capture and utilize carbon dioxide was emphasized. It was proposed to establish a Regional Training Center for Renewable Energy Specialists in Tashkent.
In the ecological sphere, the Head of State advocated the launch of a joint Program to improve air quality in Central Asia, the adoption of a joint Action Plan on combating climate change, as well as the establishment, within the framework of the Dialogue, of a new format of meetings of heads of environmental authorities.
Taking into account Japan’s extensive experience in the field of seismic safety, it was proposed to implement a joint Program for assessing and enhancing seismic resilience in the region and to open a Regional Advanced Training Center in Tashkent to train engineers, architects, and emergency response services in accordance with Japanese standards and protocols.
In order to further expand cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, it was proposed to hold next year in Uzbekistan the first Meeting of Ministers of Education in the “Central Asia + Japan” format and a Forum of Rectors of leading universities, as well as to adopt a Regional Network Youth Development Program aimed at building long-term ties among youth communities.
Touching upon issues of international politics and ensuring regional security, the leader of our country noted that the countries of the region and Japan are united in their aspiration to see Afghanistan peaceful, stable, and oriented toward constructive development.
High appreciation was given to Japan’s consistent position, which for many years has remained among the leading donors and partners in supporting the Afghan people.
Concluding his speech, the President of Uzbekistan expressed support for the decisions on all items of the agenda.
Other leaders also addressed the summit. Following the event, the Tokyo Declaration was adopted.
In line with the agenda, prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian states and Japan in key priority areas were reviewed, including the green economy and sustainable development, strengthening connectivity and regional interaction, and human resource development.
In his speech, the Head of our state noted that more than 20 years ago it was Japan that initiated the first dialogue in the “Central Asia Plus” format. A solid foundation for the development of multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Japan is formed by deep historical ties dating back to the times of the Great Silk Road, as well as the similarity of traditions and customs, spiritual, cultural, and family values.
– We highly appreciate that throughout the entire period since the countries of Central Asia gained independence, Japan has acted as our reliable partner and has made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the region, the modernization of infrastructure, the industrial and energy base, and the strengthening of scientific, educational, and human resource potential. Therefore, the Central Asian states are interested in expanding and more active presence of Japan in the region, – stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The region’s rich natural resources, its location at the crossroads of global transport, trade, and energy routes, the dynamic economic growth of the Central Asian countries, and the active processes of rapprochement and integration taking place here create favorable conditions for cooperation with Japan.
– I am confident that through joint efforts we will reach new heights. As a Japanese proverb says, “if the forces are united, the mountains can be moved,” - noted the leader of Uzbekistan.
Turning to the items on the summit agenda, the President of our country presented his vision for the development of cooperation in the “Central Asia + Japan” format.
First of all, it was proposed to hold summits at the level of heads of state once every two years, which would give an additional strong impetus to cooperation. Readiness was expressed to host one of these future meetings in Uzbekistan.
Japan’s initiative to establish a new permanent mechanism in the field of justice and law, as well as to organize the first meeting of ministers of justice in Tokyo next year, was supported.
The Head of State advocated the development of a “Central Asia – Japan 2040” Cooperation Strategy, including specific programs and projects to promote the sustainable development of the countries of the region and their deeper integration into global economic processes.
The relevance of establishing an Expert Forum with the participation of leading analytical institutions to develop new ideas and proposals and to form a comprehensive cooperation agenda was noted. It was proposed to hold the first meeting of the Forum next year in Tashkent.
The Leader of Uzbekistan welcomed the expansion of support by Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia.
- I am confident that by combining the rich natural and human resources of Central Asia with Japan’s industrial and technological potential, we will be able to achieve an effect of synergy, - stated Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In this regard, it was proposed to establish an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry of Central Asia, launching on its basis a “Quality Infrastructure” Program, as well as to create a Central Asian network of Japanese technoparks – a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization, and technology transfer.
Taking into account the growing importance of digital transformation in ensuring economic growth and sustainability, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the establishment of a “Central Asia – Japan” Digital Hub – a multilateral cooperation platform in the fields of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and innovation economy.
Interest was expressed in attracting Japanese investment, technologies, and expert support for projects to develop high-speed railways and highways, digitalize transport corridors, and construct airports and logistics centers.
Within the framework of cooperation in the field of green energy, the importance of implementing joint projects to introduce cogeneration technologies, reduce losses, and capture and utilize carbon dioxide was emphasized. It was proposed to establish a Regional Training Center for Renewable Energy Specialists in Tashkent.
In the ecological sphere, the Head of State advocated the launch of a joint Program to improve air quality in Central Asia, the adoption of a joint Action Plan on combating climate change, as well as the establishment, within the framework of the Dialogue, of a new format of meetings of heads of environmental authorities.
Taking into account Japan’s extensive experience in the field of seismic safety, it was proposed to implement a joint Program for assessing and enhancing seismic resilience in the region and to open a Regional Advanced Training Center in Tashkent to train engineers, architects, and emergency response services in accordance with Japanese standards and protocols.
In order to further expand cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, it was proposed to hold next year in Uzbekistan the first Meeting of Ministers of Education in the “Central Asia + Japan” format and a Forum of Rectors of leading universities, as well as to adopt a Regional Network Youth Development Program aimed at building long-term ties among youth communities.
Touching upon issues of international politics and ensuring regional security, the leader of our country noted that the countries of the region and Japan are united in their aspiration to see Afghanistan peaceful, stable, and oriented toward constructive development.
High appreciation was given to Japan’s consistent position, which for many years has remained among the leading donors and partners in supporting the Afghan people.
Concluding his speech, the President of Uzbekistan expressed support for the decisions on all items of the agenda.
Other leaders also addressed the summit. Following the event, the Tokyo Declaration was adopted.
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