THE PRESIDENT OF TURKMENISTAN RECEIVED THE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF JAPAN

Today, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan Hiroshi Sasaki.

Presenting his credentials, the diplomat conveyed to the Turkmen Leader warm words of greetings from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The Ambassador also conveyed on behalf of the Emperor of Japan his gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for his contribution to the progressive expansion of Turkmen-Japanese relations, a solid foundation for the development of which was laid by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Stressing the great importance given to cooperation with the countries of the Central Asian region, the Ambassador also noted his country's deep interest in further progressive development of fruitful relations in line with common interests.

Expressing his best wishes to the leadership of Japan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the plenipotentiary representative of the friendly country on his appointment to this responsible post and wished great success in his diplomatic mission to further develop interstate relations.

As it was emphasised, Japan is an important partner country for Turkmenistan, the bilateral relations with which are of long-term and strategic nature.

- The relations between our countries are based on mutual respect and support," the head of state said, noting with satisfaction that the views of Turkmenistan and Japan on issues of international politics and regional relations of mutual interest, especially those related to ensuring peace and security in the world and achieving sustainable development goals, are similar or coincide.

It was noted that the intergovernmental Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen committees on economic cooperation play an important role in coordinating the efforts of the two countries in this area. Their activities are aimed at broadly utilising the multifaceted potential of the two countries.

- Economic cooperation should be based on the latest achievements of science and technology, including innovations and new technologies, best practices, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the successful development of effective business ties established between Turkmenistan and leading Japanese companies of world renown.

During the meeting, the sides discussed a wide range of issues related to further expansion of productive dialogue in political and diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, taking into account the national interests of the two countries.

Touching upon the issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the interlocutors noted that exhibitions, Days of Culture and other cultural events are regularly held in Turkmenistan and Japan, which are important for the further development of the two countries.

The efforts aimed at improving the national education system are positively influenced by the training and industrial practice of Turkmen specialists and youth in Japan.

- I firmly believe that there are favourable opportunities for further development of relations between our countries in various spheres - politics, trade and economy, culture, science and tourism, and these relations will be further strengthened in the future," the President of Turkmenistan said.

At the end of the meeting, the Japanese diplomat assured the head of Turkmenistan that he would make every effort to strengthen and deepen the traditionally friendly Japanese-Turkmen relations.