Uzbekistan and Japan Strengthen Strategic Partnership Amid Growing Economic Ties
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a Japanese delegation led by Akihisa Nagashima, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, on February 7. The meeting focused on further deepening the friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan, as well as enhancing multifaceted cooperation and practical interaction between the two nations.
Special Advisor Akihisa Nagashima conveyed the sincere greetings and a personal message from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to President Mirziyoyev. It was emphasized that Japan considers Uzbekistan a reliable and long-term strategic partner, committed to fostering free and open international cooperation based on the rule of law.
The Government of Japan highly values the dynamic expansion of bilateral relations, particularly in economic and innovation cooperation, energy, industry, infrastructure, and social development. Special attention was also given to educational and cultural exchanges, tourism programs, labor migration, and regional collaboration.
Economic ties between Uzbekistan and Japan have witnessed significant growth, with bilateral trade increasing by 35% in 2024. The portfolio of joint projects involving Japan’s leading companies and financial institutions now exceeds $12 billion. Currently, around 100 joint ventures and organizations, including the Uzbekistan–Japanese Center, are successfully operating in Uzbekistan.
President Mirziyoyev underscored the importance of maintaining active dialogue and mutual visits at various levels. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the robust cooperation agenda in trade, economy, investment, and financial-technical sectors, including projects supported under Japan’s Development Assistance Program.
Additionally, the Uzbek leader extended his best wishes to Japan for the successful hosting of the World Expo, set to commence in April in Osaka. The meeting also featured discussions on regional cooperation, particularly in the context of preparations for the upcoming first summit in the “Central Asia plus Japan” format.
