Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening ties with Central Asian countries, despite the recent earthquake that forced him to cancel his visit to the region. In a telephone conversation on Friday with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kishida emphasized that Japan remains determined to advance its relations with the Central Asian republics.
Diplomatic Relations
The call came after a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Miyazaki Prefecture on Thursday, leading to significant concerns about crisis management and disaster response in Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a major earthquake warning following the tremor, prompting Kishida to postpone his planned trip to Central Asia and Mongolia.
Kishida expressed his regret over the cancellation but stressed that Japan’s resolve to foster strong bilateral and regional partnerships remains unchanged. He highlighted the significance of the 20th anniversary of the “Central Asia plus Japan Dialogue,” an important diplomatic framework that has bolstered cooperation between Japan and Central Asia since its inception.
“I deeply regret having to postpone my visit, but the safety and well-being of the Japanese people are paramount. However, Japan’s dedication to deepening our relationships with Central Asian nations, including Uzbekistan, is unwavering,” Kishida stated.
Mirziyoyev expressed his understanding of Kishida’s situation and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to working closely with Japan to enhance their bilateral relations. He conveyed his well wishes to the Japanese people in light of the recent natural disaster.
The earthquake, which triggered a tsunami alert, caused injuries and damage to buildings in Miyazaki and neighboring provinces. Japanese authorities have been on high alert, closely monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts.
Kishida’s postponed visit was intended to co-chair the first-ever summit with the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in Astana. The summit aimed to discuss mutual interests, regional cooperation, and ways to enhance Japan-Central Asia relations further.
Following the Central Asia summit, Kishida was also scheduled to visit Mongolia to meet with President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene. However, these programs have been delayed due to the unforeseen natural disaster in Japan.
Despite the challenges posed by the earthquake, Japan’s diplomatic engagement with Central Asia remains a priority for Kishida’s administration. Future visits and summits will be rescheduled, taking into account the evolving situation and ensuring that Japan continues to play a proactive role in fostering regional stability and cooperation.