On June 5th, in Tokyo, the Government of Japan convened a meeting of the foreign ministers of Central Asian countries under the "Central Asia plus Japan" initiative. The foreign ministers of Japan, Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan and the special envoy from the Republic of Kazakhstan joined the Second Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The foreign minister of Afghanistan also participated in this meeting as a guest.
At this "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue, the foreign ministers agreed on an “Action Plan.” The ministers reconfirmed that it is immensely important that Central Asian countries continue and intensify their endeavors toward democratization, promotion of market economy, improvement of the standard of living, eradication of terrorism and poverty, and protection of human rights.
The entire text of the “Action Plan” is available at:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/action0606.html
Prior to the dialogue, on June 1 st, Foreign Minister Taro Aso delivered a speech at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo to introduce the “three guidelines” governing Japan ’s diplomatic relations with Central Asia . These guidelines are: 1) approach the region from a broad-based perspective; 2) support “open regional cooperation;” and 3) seek partnership rooted in holding universal values in common.
The transcript of his speech is available at:
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/speech0606.html
[Related Links]
* " Central Asia plus Japan " Intellectual Dialogue (Tokyo Dialogue) (March 2006)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2006/3/0327.html
* " Central Asia plus Japan " Dialogue/Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) (March 2005)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2005/3/0304-2.html
* " Central Asia plus Japan " Dialogue/Foreign Ministers Meeting (August 2004)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/press0408.html |
