DUSHANBE, July 1, 2014, Asia-Plus – Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov has paid an official visit to Japan, according to the Tajik MFA information department.
Aslov was reportedly scheduled to hold talks with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, members of the Tajikistan-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group and some other Japanese state officials.
A number of documents are expected to be signed during Aslov’s meeting to Japan, the source said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan reports that Minister for Foreign Affairs Fumio Kishida held a meeting with Mr. Sirojiddin Aslov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan, at Iikura House on June 26.
As an outcome of the foreign ministers’ meeting, the “Cooperation Program between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2014-2016” was signed, as well as the Exchanges of Notes (E/N) for the Grant Aid for Environment / Climate Change Countermeasure Programs “The Project for Rehabilitation of Drinking Water Supply Systems in Panj District, Khatlon Province” and Grant Aid for Human Resource Development “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship.”
In the course of the talks, Minister Kishida reportedly described that Tajikistan is a lynchpin for the stability of the Central Asian region, and hoped that Japan and Tajikistan can continue to deepen bilateral cooperation in a variety of areas, including politics and economy. Minister Kishida also expressed his expectations that Japanese grant aid for water supply and human resource development will contribute to the social development and human resource development of Tajikistan.
For his part, Minister Aslov reportedly responded that Tajikistan attached importance to its relations with Japan, and reiterated Tajikistan’s appreciation for Japan’s assistance in many sectors since Tajikistan gained independence.
The sides also discussed issues related to dialogue and cooperation among Central Asian countries within the framework of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, which this year marked its tenth anniversary.
Kishida and Aslov also discussed a number of regional and international issues being of mutual interest. Mr. Minister Kishida reportedly explained Japan’s foreign policy, including the policy of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” based on the principle of international cooperation. Minister Aslov stated that the people of Tajikistan would never forget the achievements of Dr. Yutaka Akino, former United Nations Civil Affairs Officer (who was killed in Tajikistan while working to realize peace following the civil war of the country.
Looking ahead to the withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan, Mr. Kishida reportedly noted that Tajikistan has an increasingly important role in controlling the border and tackling the drug problem to ensure stability in the region, and said Japan will continue to support such efforts.
Minister Aslov commended Japan’s contributions towards peace and stability in Afghanistan.
