Arab News Japan

TOKYO: At the 9th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue in Tokyo on Saturday, the Foreign Ministers of Japan and five Central Asian countries affirmed the importance of mutual cooperation as partners in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.

The ministers noted the importance of upholding the UN Charter and other international laws, such as those concerning independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

They also noted the importance of nuclear non-proliferation and confirmed their intention to cooperate in the area of disarmament. Regarding North Korea, they reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

The meeting was chaired by Japan’s Foreign Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa and discussed “Cooperation between Japan and Central Asia in the midst of drastically changing international circumstances.”

In his opening remarks, Minister Hayashi reiterated how the international community has been affected by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in various aspects, including food and energy supplies, and that the impact is particularly significant in Central Asia, which has close historical and economic ties with Russia. 

Hayashi stated that Japan would like to promote a new model of development in order to achieve sustainable development in Central Asia. 

The foreign ministers of the Central Asian countries said theyhope to be able to develop human resources in Japan under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker System and Technical Intern Training Program. In addition, they exchanged views on the future direction of cooperation regarding the “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,” a transportation route that does not pass through Russia.

The participants agreed on the need to respect the rights of all Afghans, including women and minorities, and to build an inclusive political system. They also expressed their appreciation for Japan’s continued support in the areas of border management and livelihood improvement in border areas. 

Japan launched this dialogue framework in 2004 to promote regional cooperation.