Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Telephone Talk
June 9, 2022
[Provisional translation]
On June 9, commencing at 5:40 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, had a telephone talk with H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The overview of the talk is as follows.
1. Prime Minister Kishida expressed his congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Uzbekistan and the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries. He stated that both countries are strategic partners for maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, and that Japan has consistently supported reform efforts led by President Mirziyoyev. In response, President Mirziyoyev stated that his visit to Japan in December 2019 further elevated bilateral relations to one level higher. The two leaders concurred to collaborate in further development of relations between the two countries in the commemorative year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, while valuing the historical ties between the two countries. President Mirziyoyev also expressed his country’s intention to actively participate in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
2. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan has long supported Uzbekistan’s infrastructure development and human resource development and expressed his intention to cooperate toward the stability and development of the Central Asia region, including through the framework of the "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue. President Mirziyoyev extended his appreciation for Japan’s assistance, in particular for Japan’s cooperation in the field of human resource development, and highly praised Prime Minister Kishida’s policy of “Investment in people.” Regarding the situation in Afghanistan, President Mirziyoyev pointed out the importance of stabilizing Afghanistan through dialogue, and stated that he would like to continue cooperation with Japan for regional stability.
3. Prime Minister Kishida stated Japan’s basic position on Russia’s recent aggression against Ukraine, expressed his concerns that vulnerable countries are facing the issue of food security, and stressed his intention to address it through the collaboration of the international community. President Mirziyoyev expressed his hope that a peaceful solution would be achieved based on the principles of international law. He also pointed out the consistent support for Japan's permanent membership in the Security Council and the need to reform and strengthen the United Nations. The two leaders affirmed that they would continue to work closely at various levels on international issues, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.
4. The two leaders also discussed the situation in East Asia. They further discussed the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue. President Mirziyoyev expressed his support for immediate resolution of the abduction issue.