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The Prime Minister in Action
Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Meeting and Other Events
December 19, 2019
Photograph of the leaders shaking hands
Photograph of the Prime Minister greeting the President of Uzbekistan
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (1)
Photograph of the salute and the guard of honor ceremony (2)
Photograph of the Japan-Uzbekistan Summit Meeting
Photograph of the signing and exchange of documents ceremony (1)
Photograph of the signing and exchange of documents ceremony (2)
Photograph of the signing and exchange of documents ceremony (3)
Photograph of the signing and exchange of documents ceremony (4)
Photograph of the signing and exchange of documents ceremony (5)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (1)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (2)
Photograph of the joint press announcement (3)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet (1)
Photograph of the Prime Minister delivering an address at the banquet (2)
On December 19, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted a summit meeting and other events with H.E. Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two leaders attended a salute and guard of honor ceremony, followed by a summit meeting. Afterwards, the leaders held a signing and exchange of documents ceremony and a joint press announcement.
Lastly, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence and said in his address,
“I once again welcome President Mirziyoyev and his wife on their first visit to Japan.
I am truly pleased to have the President and his wife in Japan in the year that marks the beginning of the new Reiwa era. I express my heartfelt commendations that Uzbekistan is, indeed, achieving strong development as an independent state, more open to the world, by implementing reforms in various areas under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev.
When I visited Uzbekistan four years ago, I was deeply moved by the Navoi Theater, which was built by Japanese detainees. I wish to express my profound respect once again, as I reflect on our ancestors, who overcame numerous hardships and left behind such a wonderful theater for future generations, even in extremely difficult circumstances. I am also pleased that the warm exchanges between Japanese and Uzbeks at that time laid the foundation for the friendly relations that we have today.
Alisher Navoi, a famous poet of the Timurid Dynasty—the theatre was named after him—said: even to clap requires two hands. As his words suggest, Japan has, until today and in the future, worked hand in hand and will move forward with Uzbekistan as good partners that will thrive together.
Furthermore, I would like to express my gratitude for the construction and careful preservation of the splendid monument and cemetery for the Japanese detainees that stand to this day. Please allow me to introduce that the President strongly promised to work with us regarding the measures that the families of the detainees are requesting for the remains.
At tonight’s banquet, we are joined by many leaders who have supported the relations of our two countries in a variety of fields such as politics, the economy, academics and culture.
The friendly relations we have today exist thanks to all of you. I want to use this opportunity to express my gratitude for your efforts, and ask for your continued support in the future as well.
In closing, I would like to propose a toast to the good health and happiness of President Mirziyoyev, his wife, and everyone here, and to the continued development of goodwill and friendly Japan-Uzbekistan relations.”
