By Alperen Aktas
ISTANBUL (AA) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed on Friday the development of Uzbek-Japanese relations during his official visit to Tokyo, beginning with a meeting with Japanese Emperor Naruhito, his office said.
Mirziyoyev expressed respect and gratitude to Emperor Naruhito for Japan’s continued support for reforms. Both sides highlighted close people-to-people ties, pointing to shared values, cultural affinity and historical links dating back to the Great Silk Road.
The leaders welcomed the steady expansion of cooperation, particularly in education, training, and cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
Mirziyoyev also invited Emperor Naruhito to pay an official visit to Uzbekistan.
Mirziyoyev then heads of leading Japanese companies, financial institutions and business associations, inviting them to take part in Uzbekistan’s economic modernization.
He outlined priorities including industrialization, advanced technologies, higher productivity and export growth. Key areas for cooperation include energy sustainability and the green transition, renewable energy development, carbon reduction, deep processing of critical minerals, mechanical engineering, high-tech industries, and information technology, including artificial intelligence and digitalization.
Mirziyoyev also met Nobumitsu Hayashi, governor of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, discussing projects worth over $10 billion in energy, transport, IT infrastructure and healthcare.
Talks with Japan International Cooperation Agency President Akihiko Tanaka focused on expanding joint projects, including support for entrepreneurship, employment, poverty reduction and a proposed special economic zone for Japanese investors.