ADDS MEETING BETWEEN KAZAKH PRESIDENT AND JAPANESE PREMIER
By Berk Kutay Gokmen, Kanyashi Butun, and Burc Eruygur
ISTANBUL (AA) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Thursday met with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito in Tokyo during his first official visit to the country, according to Kazakhstan’s presidential press service Akorda.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and international affairs.
Tokayev said “The Land of the Rising Sun’s” discipline and resilience have "inspired Kazakh people for many years."
Japan and Kazakhstan enjoy "long-standing friendly relations based on mutual respect and fruitful cooperation in various fields," Tokayev said.
Emperor Naruhito said the Kazakh president’s visit would be “a significant event” in history and would elevate relations between the two countries to a "qualitatively new level," according to Akorda.
During a separate meeting between Tokayev and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the two leaders signed a statement on “further synergy of the future-oriented expanded strategic partnership,” and agreed to develop cooperation across the fields of “politics, economics, and culture.”
Takaichi told Tokayev that Tokyo decided to provide large X-ray equipment to port customs to “support the improvement of connectivity within the region,” through utilization of the “Trans-Caspian International Tranport Route,” according to a statement from the Japanese Foreign Ministry.
They also discussed the situation surrounding Ukraine as well as North Korea, and “affirmed the importance of international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter and confirmed that they will work closely together in the international arena, including the UN Security Council reform.”
Meanwhile, a corresponding statement by Akorda saod Tokayev indicated in meeting with Takaichi that his visit to Japan is an "important milestone" in Astana's relations with Tokyo, which he said they have always considered "our time-tested and reliable partner in Asia."
A separate statement following the talks announced that the Kazakh and Japanese delegations signed off on 14 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents.
Tokayev arrived Wednesday in Tokyo as part of an official visit, during which he will participate in the first summit between Japan and the leaders of five Central Asian nations.
Takaichi is set to host the two-day summit starting Friday, with discussions expected to focus on international affairs and strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.
She will also hold separate bilateral meetings with participating Central Asian leaders.
Kazakhstan and Japan established diplomatic relations in 1992, and bilateral trade reached about $1.8 billion last year.