TOKYO, July 6. /Dunyo IA/. "The Asahi Shimbun", one of Japan’s leading daily newspapers, has published an article on the outcomes of the official visit of Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri, to Uzbekistan, along with an interview in which she discussed Japan’s development cooperation with the country, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

In the interview, Arfiya Eri described Uzbekistan as one of the geopolitically important countries in Central Asia and a reliable, friendly partner of Japan, emphasizing that the country's significance will continue to grow in the years ahead.

According to her, Uzbekistan’s strategic location in Central Asia, abundant mineral and energy resources, as well as its demographic potential and regional market opportunities, make the country an important partner for Japan in terms of energy security, economic security and resource diplomacy.

Arfiya Eri noted that during her first visit to Uzbekistan in May, she personally experienced the country's sincere attitude toward Japan and the high level of trust between the two nations. She also highlighted that part of her meeting with Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, was conducted in the Uzbek language.

In the interview, the Japanese diplomat also elaborated on Japan’s projects in the Aral Sea region under the framework of its Official Development Assistance (ODA) program, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to continuing initiatives aimed at addressing water scarcity, soil salinization, climate change and public health challenges.

Article notes that Japan has consistently provided financial assistance in this area. In particular, in 2019, a $2.4 million project was implemented jointly with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve healthcare services and living conditions in the Aral Sea region. In 2023, a $1.9 million project was launched to promote climate-resilient agriculture. In 2026, a new $5 million grant project is planned to support water resources management and their efficient use. As a result, Japan’s total grant assistance to Uzbekistan in this area has reached $9.3 million in recent years.

It is further emphasized that the projects implemented jointly with UNDP cover healthcare, water resources management, the introduction of water-saving agricultural technologies, and environmental sustainability, and have received high recognition.

The interview also paid particular attention to cooperation in the healthcare sector. Priority areas include maternal and child health, equipping medical institutions, enhancing the qualifications of local healthcare professionals, and developing healthcare infrastructure in the regions.

A separate section of the interview focused on Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) policy. Arfiya Eri emphasized that ODA serves not only the interests of partner countries but also Japan’s own national interests. In her view, building strong and trusted relations with geopolitically important and friendly countries such as Uzbekistan contributes to regional stability, thereby strengthening Japan’s security and advancing its foreign policy interests.