THE NEXT SENIOR OFFICIALS' MEETING OF THE "CENTRAL ASIA + JAPAN" DIALOGUE WAS HELD IN DUSHANBE

On January 26, 2018, the delegation of Turkmenistan took part at the 12th meeting of senior officials at the level of the deputy foreign ministers of the countries participating in the Dialogue "Central Asia + Japan", held in Dushanbe. Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, as well as ambassadors of these countries accredited in Tajikistan took part in its work. The Japanese side was represented by the Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan for Central Asia, Ambassador T. Aiki.

The first session of the SOM was devoted to issues of transport and logistics. The delegations analyzed progress in the implementation of projects and discussed further development of cooperation in this field. Particular interest of the participants was caused by a number of promising proposals and specific projects from the Turkmen side in the field of transport and logistics for implementation within the framework of the Dialogue.

During the second session, the sides discussed cooperation in the field of tourism and folk crafts. The exchange of views on the integration of opportunities and the prospects for their development is a new topic of practical cooperation. With a view to developing the tourism industry, expanding tourism services and increasing the economic efficiency of the industry, the parties came to the opinion that the exchange of experience and knowledge within the Dialogue, especially in matters of training of personnel, is useful.

The remaining sessions were devoted to regional security issues and further steps to promote the Dialogue "Central Asia + Japan". The heads of delegations reaffirmed the importance of searching for ways to jointly solve problems and promote cooperation for ensuring the security, stability and economic prosperity of the peoples of Central Asia.

Within the framework of the visit, the delegation of Turkmenistan was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Tajikistan S. Aslov.