Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Jan. 26 / Trend D. Azizov /
The Uzbek Foreign Ministry recently received Japanese ambassador Yoshihisa Kuroda, the Foreign Ministry said.
Both parties attach great importance to the forthcoming 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, today January 26.
Uzbekistan and Japan have established close and multifaceted relations in the spirit of the joint statement on friendship, strategic partnership and cooperation agreement signed in 2002.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov paid an official visit to Japan a year ago. This gave significant impetus to the further development of broad bilateral cooperation in political, economic and humanitarian fields. Discussions were held on the forthcoming schedule of Uzbek-Japanese contacts at various meetings of joint institutions.
President Karimov and Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko have recently exchanged greetings on the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries.
"We appreciate Japan's significant support as one of the world leading powers in the process of establishing an independent Uzbekistan. This is especially so in the implementation of large, important programmes in the economic, investment and social areas," President Karimov said. "We see reliable partners in Japanese business, the largest banking bodies and development institutions."
Japanese Prime Minister Noda also expressed wishes to further develop the cooperation between the two countries.
Japan recognised Uzbekistan's independence in December 1991. Diplomatic relations were established on January 26, 1992.
According to the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, Japan is one of the largest investors in the country. The total volume of investments is more than $ 2.3 billion to implement priority projects through state concessional loans in yen at more than $ 1.2 billion, grant aid - more than $ 280 million, technical assistance - more than $ 110 million and commercial loans - more than $720 million.
The representative offices of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japanese Organisation for the Development of Foreign Trade (JETRO) were accredited in Tashkent.