Speech by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the first summit “Central Asia + Japan”

Dear Madam Prime Minister!

Dear heads of delegations!

I join in sincere words of gratitude to the Prime Minister of Japan, Mrs. Takaichi, for the brilliant organization of the first “Central Asia + Japan” summit and the warm hospitality in beautiful and dynamic Tokyo.

I would like to emphasize that it was the Land of the Rising Sun that initiated the first dialogue more than 20 years ago "Central Asia +". Time has shown how strategically relevant and correct this decision was.

The current summit is certainly historic and opens a new stage in our cooperation.

I would like to note that our close trade and cultural ties with Japan began to develop during the Great Silk Road. The ancient capital of Japan - the city of Nara, where you are from, Madam Prime Minister, was one of the most important centers on this path.

We are also brought together by similar traditions and customs, spiritual, cultural and family values.

All this is a solid basis for the development of multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Japan.

Dear Mrs. Takaichi!

We highly appreciate that Japan, throughout the entire period after the Central Asian countries gained independence, has been our reliable partner, making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the region, modernization of infrastructure, industrial and energy base, strengthening of scientific, educational and human resources potential.

Therefore, the states of Central Asia are interested in expanding and more active presence of Japan in the region.

And we have something to offer. Our region is rich in natural resources, located at the crossroads of global transport, trade and energy routes. The economic growth of the countries of Central Asia is 5-6 percent, and this dynamics will continue in the coming years.

The active processes of rapprochement and integration taking place in the region today create favorable conditions for cooperation with Japan.

Dear Madam Prime Minister, thank you once again for your strong determination to develop strategic relations with Central Asia.

I am confident that together we will reach new heights. As Japanese wisdom says, “if you join forces, you can move mountains.”

Dear heads of delegations!

I support the important initiatives put forward today to develop partnerships between our countries.

I welcome the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, aimed at strengthening our cooperation in strategically important areas directions.

In turn, I would like to present our vision for the development of interaction in the “Central Asia + Japan” format.

First. We propose to hold summits at the level of heads of state once every two years, which will give an additional powerful impetus to cooperation. We are ready to host one of the next such meetings in Uzbekistan.

We support Japan’s initiative to create a new permanent mechanism in the field of justice and law and the organization of the first meeting of justice ministers in Tokyo next year.

Second. We advocate the development of a Cooperation Strategy “Central Asia - Japan 2040”.

This document could include specific programs and projects to promote sustainable development of the countries of the region and their deeper integration into global economic processes.

To develop new ideas and proposals, formulate a full-scale cooperation agenda, it is important to establish an Expert Forum with the participation of our leading analytical structures countries.

We are ready to provide a discussion platform and convene the first meeting of the Forum next year in Tashkent.

Third. We welcome the expansion of support from 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 the industrial and technological potential of Japan, we will be able to achieve a synergy effect.

In this regard, we propose to establish an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry of Central Asia. On its basis, it is possible to launch a “Quality Infrastructure” Program aimed at attracting Japanese investment, technology, engineering standards and expertise for the implementation of large infrastructure projects in the region. We also propose to create a Central Asian network of Japanese technology parks - a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization and technology transfer. The network of technology parks can be distributed based on the raw materials and industrial capabilities of each country in the region.

Fourth. Today, digital transformation is becoming a key element of economic growth and sustainability.

Japanese companies are world leaders in segments of the digital economy: industrial automation, robotics and intelligent control systems, cloud and telecommunication platforms of the new generation.

We propose to create a Digital Hub "Central Asia - Japan" - a multilateral platform for cooperation in the field of digital solutions, artificial intelligence, Internet of things, cybersecurity and innovative economy.

Fifth. Japan, having extensive experience in creating a modern and reliable transport infrastructure, can act as one of the key partners in the development of the transit and logistics network in the region.

We are interested in attracting Japanese investment, technology and expert assistance in projects for the creation of high-speed railways and highways, digitalization of transport corridors, construction of airports and logistics centers.

In this regard, I would like to note our successful cooperation with by Sojitz LLC in the construction of a new international airport in Tashkent.

Sixth. Japan is a world leader in implementing goals to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions.

We in Uzbekistan have set a goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to 50 percent by 2035, to increase the share of “green” energy in total generation to 54 percent by 2030.

We propose to jointly develop specific projects for energy transition and development “green” energy, such as the construction of efficient thermal stations, solar and wind power plants, the introduction of cogeneration technologies, reduction of losses, capture and use of carbon dioxide.

we are taking the initiative to create a Regional Center for Training Specialists in the Field of Renewable Energy in Tashkent.

Seventh. We consider it important to deepen cooperation in the implementation of the regional program “Green Agenda” for Central Asia that we have adopted. It is in tune with Japan's Green Transformation initiative.

We propose: launching a joint Program to improve air quality in the region, aimed at applying advanced solutions for monitoring, filtering and reducing emissions, creating a more sustainable and safe environmental environment for the population; adopt a joint Action Plan in the field of combating climate change and environmental protection, including projects to promote the solution of environmental problems in the Aral Sea region and the introduction of water-saving technologies; create a new format for meetings of heads of environmental protection departments within the framework of the Dialogue.

Eighth. Taking into account Japan’s vast experience in the field of seismic safety, we advocate the launch of a joint Program for assessing and improving seismic stability.

The goal is to conduct comprehensive seismic diagnostics of large cities in Central Asia with the involvement of Japanese experts, develop “road maps” for increasing seismic resistance, and launch early warning systems based on Japanese models.

We propose to open in the city of Tashkent Regional center for advanced training for training engineers, architects, rescue services according to Japanese standards and protocols.

Ninth. We highly appreciate Japan's assistance in the field of education and training of qualified personnel. We will continue to expand and support educational, scientific and academic exchanges.

We propose to hold in Uzbekistan the first Meeting of Ministers of Education in the “Central Asia + Japan” format next year, as well as the first Forum of Rectors of leading universities in the region.

We also advocate the adoption of a Regional Network Program for Youth Development, aimed at forming long-term connections between youth communities, revealing their creative, technological and professional potential.

The strengthening of friendly ties between our peoples is facilitated by the regular holding of festivals of culture, art and tourism.

I would like to note with satisfaction that the Uzbekistan pavilion at the World Expo in Osaka was awarded the Gold Award. We will continue to actively participate in such events.

Dear summit participants!

Our meeting is taking place during a period of serious turbulence in world politics, increasing geopolitical tensions and decreasing trust between major states.

In such conditions, the ability to join forces to preserve peace and strengthen stability.

Afghanistan remains one of the key areas of our cooperation.

We are united in our desire to see this country peaceful, stable and oriented towards creative development.

We highly appreciate the consistent position of Japan, which for many years has remained among the leading donors and partners in supporting the Afghan people.

I am convinced that our joint actions and common contribution will contribute to the improvement of life, socio-economic and infrastructural development, as well as the active involvement of Afghanistan in regional economic projects.

Dear friends!

In conclusion, I express my support for decisions on all issues on the agenda.

I am confident that the implementation of the initiatives put forward today will make a practical contribution to the development of our dialogue and will allow us to tap into the significant potential for cooperation for the benefit of our countries and peoples.