DUSHANBE, 11.08.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Today, per Japanese initiative, Foreign Ministers of Central Asia + Japan Dialogue held a special videoconference.

The FMs exchanged views on cooperation in fighting the COVID-19 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 + 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, while referring to the rapidly changing world situation due to COVID-19 pandemic, Muhriddin called on his counterparts to take effective joint measures to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus infection and restore sustainable socio-economic development of the countries of the region.

It was noted that the pandemic has put humanity against serious challenges and problems. He also called on the participants 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 Tajikistan is undertaking the necessary measures to prevent the spread of this infection. In this context, gratitude was expressed for the assistance and support provided to Tajikistan by Japan and the countries of Central Asia in the fight against the coronavirus infection.

While touching upon the issues of further development of regional interaction, Muhriddin noted that it is necessary to promote energy and industrial projects and support the agricultural sector, expanding the export potential, and ensuring uninterrupted transit of goods.

The member states were called to jointly celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Central Asian countries in 2022.