On August 11, 2020, by the initiative of Japan, a special videoconference of Foreign Ministers was held within the framework of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue.
During the meeting, the Foreign ministers of the countries participating in this mechanism exchanged views on cooperation in fighting the pandemic, economic recovery, maintaining regional security and enhancing international interaction.
In his remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin noted that interaction within the framework of the “Central Asia plus Japan” format has a particular importance and plays a significant role in the development and strengthening of strategic partnership between the countries of the region.
In this regard, referring to the rapidly changing world situation due to Covid-19 pandemic, the Foreign Minister of our country called on his counterparts to take effective joint measures to prevent the further spread of coronavirus infection and restore sustainable socio-economic development of the countries of the region. It was noted that the Covid-19 pandemic has put humanity in the face of serious challenges and problems. In this connection, he called on the participants of this meeting to unite in the fight against the consequences of the pandemic by using all existing resources and opportunities.
It was emphasized that the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is undertaking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of this infection. In this context, a gratitude was expressed for the assistance and support provided to Tajikistan by Japan and the countries of Central Asia in the fight against coronavirus infection.
Touching upon the issues of further development of regional interaction, S. Muhriddin noted that it is necessary to promote energy and industrial projects and support the agricultural sector, expanding the export potential, ensuring uninterrupted transit of goods.
It was called upon the member states of the Dialogue to jointly celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central Asian countries in 2022.