On Sunday, 30 August, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Foreign Minister of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reported.
At the beginning of the meeting, Motegi said Japan attaches great importance to developing mutually beneficial relations with Turkmenistan, which it regards as a reliable partner. He conveyed greetings to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people from Emperor Naruhito of Japan and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
The Japanese foreign minister also expressed appreciation to the Turkmen president for condolences sent following the earthquake in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture.
In return, Berdimuhamedov conveyed his best wishes to Japan’s leadership and said Turkmenistan attaches particular importance to further developing relations with Japan in the Asia-Pacific region.
The two sides described their partnership as long-term and strategic, with interstate dialogue developing consistently on the principles of equality, mutual respect and trust.
Turkmenistan and Japan currently cooperate actively not only bilaterally but also through international organizations, particularly the United Nations.
In this context, the president highlighted successful cooperation within the Central Asia–Japan Dialogue, which has served for many years as an effective mechanism for regional coordination.
The sides also noted the continued development of interparliamentary ties. Particular attention was given to the work of the Turkmen-Japanese Interparliamentary Friendship Group.
Trade and economic cooperation was another key focus of the meeting, including the role of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation.
Berdimuhamedov also highlighted the long-standing involvement of Japanese companies such as Itochu Corporation, Toyo Engineering Corporation and Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Turkmenistan’s gas and chemical industries. He noted that there is considerable potential for further cooperation with Japanese companies in these sectors.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation was also identified as an important area for strengthening bilateral relations, bringing the two peoples closer and promoting cultural exchange.
At the conclusion of the meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi expressed confidence that productive interstate cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan would continue to deepen.