On the Visit of the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan

On September 17-18, 2026, the delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov visited Tokyo, Japan.

As part of the visit, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs met with Taro Aso, a prominent Japanese politician, Vice President of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan and Chairman of the Japan-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship League. The meeting focused on further strengthening the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan, developing inter-parliamentary dialogue and expanding trade, economic and investment cooperation. The important role of parliamentary diplomacy in the full implementation of agreements reached at the highest level was noted.

A meeting was also held with Ichiro Takahara, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JOGMEC, a Japanese corporation specializing in ensuring the security of strategic resources in the oil, gas and metals sectors. The talks addressed the expansion of geological exploration in Uzbekistan, the development of critical minerals and the attraction of advanced Japanese technologies in these areas. Interest was expressed in expanding cooperation in mineral processing and beneficiation, improving the quality of metallurgical products, human resources development, and research and development.

As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with Jun Kato, President of Onodera User Run, a Japanese company specializing in the training, selection and employment of foreign workers. The parties discussed supporting the company's projects aimed at providing employment opportunities for Uzbek citizens in Japan, establishing new training centers in other regions of Uzbekistan and expanding the scope of vocational training for young people. Readiness was expressed to enrich cooperation in human resources development, employment and investment with new projects.

In Tokyo, negotiations were held with Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The sides exchanged views on accelerating the implementation of projects under the Cooperation Program through 2030, as well as expanding cooperation in healthcare, private sector support and education.

A roundtable discussion was also held with Takeshi Hashimoto, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) as well as executives and representatives of leading Japanese companies. Representatives of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Sojitz, All Nippon Airways, Shimizu, JETRO, Sumitomo, JBIC, Toyo Engineering, Toyota Tsusho, Marubeni, Mitsui, Mitsubishi and other major Japanese companies took part in the event.

During the dialogue, the parties discussed further expanding economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Japan, supporting the activities of Japanese companies in Uzbekistan and implementing new investment projects. Particular attention was paid to prospects for cooperation in energy, transport and logistics, infrastructure, agriculture, textiles, digitalization and human resources development.

As part of the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov held the second Strategic Dialogue between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and Japan with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi. The meeting focused on further strengthening the expanded strategic partnership between the two countries, intensifying bilateral political dialogue, and consistently implementing the agreements reached at the highest level. The sides also exchanged views on developing regional cooperation within the “Central Asia + Japan” format, expanding cooperation in the international arena, as well as current regional and international issues.

Following the dialogue between the foreign ministries of Uzbekistan and Japan, the Cooperation Programme for 2027–2028 was signed. The Cooperation Programme will contribute to giving new substance to the expanded strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan and to the consistent implementation of the agreements reached at the highest level.