[Cabinet Secretariat] [Tuesday, Oct 27, 2015]
Policy Speech by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Kazakhstan
Nazarbayev University
[Provisional Translation]
Thank you, President KATSU, for your introduction. To everyone at Nazarbayev University, you are the best and brightest from across Kazakhstan. I was surprised to hear that all the lectures are being given in English by a world-class faculty of teaching staff. I am so very happy to see you.
Beyond the horizon is Japan, a country of people who respect and feel friendship with you. There is esteem and camaraderie between our people, just as there is between two of our star athletes, the figure skaters Mao ASADA and Denis TEN.
In the past two years, I have met with President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV three times at international conferences, but this is my first visit to Central Asia. I am the first sitting Japanese Prime Minister to come to Central Asia in nine years and the first-ever Japanese Prime Minister to have the privilege of making a state visit to all of the five nations of Central Asia during the same journey.
In Kazakhstan, the last stop of my Central Asian tour, I have come to Nazarbayev University.
To you and other people in Central Asia, I have a three-point message.
First, Japan will dramatically strengthen its relationship with the nations of Central Asia. To do so, Japan will help make the region’s industries more sophisticated and develop human resources.
We want to climb the value-added ladder. We want to diversify our industries. And for that, we want to build high-quality infrastructure in transportation and electric power. I heard those desires voiced everywhere I went during this trip. Now I have realized how much hope you place in Japan.
Such partnership has already begun. In Kazakhstan, Toyota Motor Corporation built a factory in Kostanay last year. Toyota cars rolling off the production line there represent the fruits of young Kazakh engineers’ use of Japan’s advanced automotive technology.
Gas resources abundant in this region can be turned into motor fuel, an energy source driving Turkmenistan’s motorization, by using Japan’s “GTL” (gas to liquid) technology.
Meanwhile, in Japan, automotive technology is evolving further. And CO2-free hydrogen energy technology has entered the stage of practical use. In 2017, here in Astana, in your university’s neighborhood, an international expo will be held. Japan immediately expressed its willingness to participate in the event. We hope that at the expo, you will see the vision of a future hydrogen society with your own eyes.
Since ancient times, we Japanese have valued the idea that “building a country is about building a people.” When the modern age dawned and Japan saw the overwhelming scientific and technological superiority of the West, we devoted ourselves simply to pouring funds and sweat into education in order to catch up. When World War II laid waste to the country, we still had a resource called people. Even from that low point, we were able to again achieve accelerated growth.
Why has Japan joyfully accepted 8,723 trainees from Central Asia over the past 24 years? Or sent 2,299 experts as instructors to the region, or—in one example—passed on methodologies for industrial automation right here at Nazarbayev University? I think you know the answer now, based on everything I have said. Going forward, Japan will continue to emphasize empowering you as individuals, strengthening the power you already have, each and every one of you here today. As a new initiative, Japan will support training of people who lead advanced industries in Kazakhstan and other nations of Central Asia by making use of Japan’s high-quality engineering education.
Secondly, Japan will more actively involve itself in efforts to resolve challenges faced universally by Central Asia.
We have been engaging in “Central Asia + Japan Dialogue” since 2004. I thought to myself this: If something—an issue—calls for a regional solution, then Japan can be a “catalyst” that all parties trust. This dialogue is developing into a framework for the nations of Central Asia and Japan to tackle challenges faced universally by this region.
For example, we are discussing cooperation in the field of agriculture in this dialogue. Tajikistan called attention to the plague of locusts that destroys crops across national borders and requested Japanese cooperation in taking steps to resolve this problem, an initiative which will bring benefits to the whole of Central Asia. During this trip, Japan expressed support for this initiative.
“Made in Japan,” a term which has become a byword for high quality, applies not only to manufactured products such as cars and TV sets. Japanese vegetables, fruits and other agricultural commodities, which are delicious and safe, are also products that we should be proud of internationally. We Japanese have been cultivating agricultural knowhow during the course of our country’s long history, as we ploughed soil and introduced water into the fields, as we lived with nature and enjoyed its benefits.
I hear that in some cases, Japan’s kaizen concept has been adopted to drastically improve crop yields and labor productivity in this vast, fertile land of Kazakhstan.
Furthermore, Japan is ready to help make it easier to move around people and goods, which is a critical challenge that must be achieved if Central Asia is to attain further development. This is another area in which we are extremely interested.
I am looking forward to the day when Japanese technology, experience and knowhow relating to railways and other infrastructures contributes to the well-being of the people in Kazakhstan and other nations of Central Asia, a landlocked region which is remarkable for its diversity of geography, from vast plains to steep mountains. The Central Asia + Japan Dialogue and a meeting of foreign ministers from this region and Japan will be held next year with transportation and distribution as one of their main themes. I hope discussions on this theme will deepen in the run-up to these events.
I understand that Kazakhstan intends to establish an external aid organization. JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) has an abundance of experience in this field. I am looking forward to the day when Japan can work with Kazakhstan in promoting the development of this region.
Japan is hoping to make active contributions to the development of the whole of Central Asia while carefully listening to each country’s needs.
Japan will help Central Asia achieve an open, stable and autonomous development, under close public-private sector collaboration. Private companies are already quite keen to engage. The Government of Japan will provide support through public funding to encourage private-sector investment, improve infrastructure and develop human resources. Through such measures, Japan will create business opportunities worth more than 3 trillion yen.
Third, we would like to deepen the partnership between Japan and Central Asia on the global stage as well.
Kazakhstan and Japan are now walking hand-in-hand at the head of a momentous march, a march towards nuclear disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation. Since this past September, our two nations have been serving as Co-Presidents of the Article XIV Conference (or the Conference on Facilitating Entry into Force of the CTBT) for a two-year term. In my meeting with President Nursultan NAZARBAYEV earlier today, we confirmed our will to strive together in this respect and transformed that will into a written commitment.
The International Science and Technology Center, which is engaging in the initiative to prevent a brain drain from the former Soviet republics in order to ensure nuclear non-proliferation, made a fresh start here at Nazarbayev University this summer. Japan will continue to support this institution’s activities, which have now continued for more than 20 years.
This development was perhaps inevitable. Hiroshima and Nagasaki, then Semipalatinsk. For Japan, this year is the 70th anniversary of the two atomic bombings, and for Kazakhstan, it marks a quarter century since the closing of the atomic test site. Our thoughts are the same on this historic year: we seek nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and our will is indomitable.
Fortunately, at present, Japan has been elected to serve on the UN Security Council, for the 11th time. We would like to work with Kazakhstan at the United Nations as well, in order to push for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation as well as the reform of the Security Council.
There was one more reason why I wanted to visit Central Asia.
After the end of World War II seventy years ago, many Japanese people were detained in this region as prisoners of war. Many perished here with the memories of their homeland in their hearts. I paid respect to and prayed for the souls of those who died such a sad death.
The peace with which Japan is now blessed has been built upon the precious sacrifices made by such people. While reflecting on the gravity of this fact, Japan will make active contributions to the peace and prosperity of the world together with the people in Central Asia and our friends around the world. I have renewed my resolve to perform this task.
Wherever I have gone, I heard or saw myself that the buildings raised by former Japanese prisoners of war are still intact, cared for by the people of Central Asian nations. The National Science Academy in Almaty is one such example. The Navoi Theater in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, is another. As you know, there are many others in Shymkent, Temirtau and other cities.
Perhaps, at the sight of the rising sun each morning, those Japanese prisoners of war in this land turned their thoughts to their loved ones back in their hometowns, which would be somewhere beyond the horizon. My heart aches when I think of them. Their work was forced labor, yet our forebears still did the best they could. The buildings stand as a testament to their dignity.
Among Japanese prisoners of war detained in this faraway land was Kyuzo KATO, who went on to become a noted archaeologist after returning to Japan.
Professor KATO translated Ilyas YESENBERLIN’s iconic work, “The Nomads,” which relates the history of the building of Kazakh Khanate about 550 years ago, and introduced it to the Japanese people. He is now 93 years old, but he is braving the harsh sun of this land to excavate ancient ruins, as he has been fascinated by Central Asia.
Central Asia was a bridge through which Buddhism, which originated in India, arrived in Japan. Furthermore, Central Asia has been a crossroads of the Oriental and Western cultures for thousands of years. People of various ethnic origins and religious beliefs have traversed this region.
The openness of mind to diverse cultures and the energy to open up the future, which is created by diversity. These are the qualities that attract us to Central Asia.
Therefore, although Japan and Central Asia are far apart geographically and have different historical backgrounds, I believe that huge possibilities lie ahead for the future of our partnership. If we accept each other and take advantage of each other’s strengths, if we join our hands and work together, we can make our future shine more brightly.
I intend to immediately start making efforts to realize such partnership. By sending a cultural exchange mission to Central Asia, or alternately, by inviting Japanese-language learners from Central Asia to Japan, we will give force and energy to this endeavor.
On the map, we are far apart. But distance doesn’t matter when we are united in heart.
To all of the people in Kazakhstan and other nations of Central Asia, I would like to say this. Let’s join our hands and move forward together toward the future.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Saturday, Oct 24, 2015]
Prime Minister Abe Visits Mongolia
Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, visited Mongolia on October 22. The overview is as follows
1. Main schedule
(hereafter, times shown are in Ulaanbaatar time)
Meeting with H.E. Mr. Tsakhia Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia (venue: the Official residence of the President) (1:50-2:10 p.m.)
Meeting with Mr. Chimed Saikhanbileg, Prime Minister of Mongolia (venue: the State Guesthouse) (2:15-2:50 p.m.)
Signing ceremony and joint press announcement (venue: the State Guesthouse)
Meeting with Mr. Zandaakhuu Enkhbold, Chairman of the State Great Hural, the Parliament of Mongolia (venue: a Mongolian government building) (3:27-3:44 p.m.)
Floral tribute at a monument for Japanese nationals (4:05-4:15 p.m.)
2. Meeting with Prime Minister Saikhanbileg
(1) Japan-Mongolia relations overall
i) Prime Minister Abe noted that this was his second visit to Mongolia and his eighth Japan-Mongolia Summit Meeting, and explained that up to now no incumbent Japanese Prime Minister has visited Mongolia twice, and this visit demonstrates that the Abe administration places an emphasis on Mongolia in particular. In addition, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the frequent summit-level exchanges, such as visits to Japan made by three of Mongolia's leaders this year, and stated that he intends to make this visit a testament to the bond between the two countries and the development of the "strategic partnership" between the two countries.
ii) Prime Minister Saikhanbileg expressed his delight at being able to meet for the second time this year, and explained that the amicable relationship with the Government of Japan is a priority issue for Mongolia. He stated that previously when he visited Japan, Prime Minister Abe proposed the "ERCH Initiative Plus," and the relationship between the two countries is making great advances strategically. Prime Minister Saikhanbileg mentioned that in order to further develop the bilateral relationship he intends to continue high-level exchanges going forward, and he highly appreciated that Prime Minister Abe has visited twice during his term.
(2) Politics and security
i) Prime Minister Saikhanbileg expressed his support for the Abe administration's Proactive Contribution to Peace policy, and explained that he will continue to support it in the future.
ii) In response, Prime Minister Abe expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Saikhanbileg's support for the Proactive Contribution to Peace policy, stated that Japan will contribute even more proactively to the peace and stability of the international community in the future, and explained that the Legislation for Peace and Security forms the core for putting the policy of Proactive Contribution to Peace into practice. He also noted that defense cooperation between Japan and Mongolia is increasing, and a Japan Self-Defense Force unit was dispatched to a multilateral military exercise (Khaan Quest) in June for the first time. Prime Minister Abe explained that in the field of capacity-building support, the JSDF is earnestly carrying out training in roadbuilding in Mongolia, and he hopes to further advance this cooperation and exchange. Additionally, he expressed his delight that a Japan-U.S.-Mongolia dialogue was able to be held for the first time in September, and stated that he hopes the strategic dialogue between the three countries will continue.
(3) Regional and international affairs
i) Prime Minister Abe explained that the international community should display solidarity over North Korea's nuclear and missile issues, and should strongly urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint in regard to provocative actions and fulfill United Nations Security Council resolutions. He also expressed his gratitude for Mongolia's understanding and support over the abductions issue, and his expectation that Mongolia will continue to cooperate on promptly resolving the issue. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe expressed thanks for Mongolia's support for Japan becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council and its engagement with the G4, and explained that he intends to continue to work together closely.
ii) Prime Minister Saikhanbileg stated that the relationship between the two countries should not only be a bilateral relationship, they should also cooperate in the international community. He highly appreciated Japan's role at the UN, expressed his support for Japan becoming a permanent member of the UN Security Council, and explained that Mongolia is also contributing to the stability of Northeast Asia.
(4) Economic relations
i) Prime Minister Saikhanbileg stated that the mid-term action plan based on the ERCH Initiative is being implemented and noted in particular that the Japan-Mongolia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) has been signed and endorsed by both countries, and he reported that three bills necessary for the entry into force of the EPA were approved in Mongolia on October 22 (see note). Furthermore, he expressed his support for Japan dispatching experts to the Tavan Tolgoi coalmine and moving the East Line railway project ahead, and welcomed that a feasibility study will move forward and Japanese companies will participate in the Thermal Power Plant V project. Prime Minister Saikhanbileg also welcomed Japanese companies' cooperation on a new airport project, and expressed his intention to advance cooperation on airport management also. Moreover, he stated that Mongolia is prepared to dispatch construction workers to Japan for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
ii) Prime Minister Abe stated that clear and consistent economic policies are important, and Japan intends to continue to cooperate on Mongolia's development through initiatives such as dispatching economic advisors. He explained that large-scale mining development is an important pillar of Mongolia's economic development, and although Japan is unable to commit to the Tavan Tolgoi coalmine and East Line railway projects themselves at the present point in time, he intends to have parties from the Japanese side sincerely study the profitability and feasibility of the proposed content. He also welcomed a memorandum of cooperation signed in connection with this on October 22, and expressed his expectation toward Prime Minister Saikhanbileg's leadership in ensuring that a full explanation is given to Japanese companies in relation to this matter. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe explained that he is overjoyed at the approval of the three bills and said that it is a great pleasure and also symbolic that this coincided with his visit to Mongolia, and he expressed his expectation that the relationship between the two countries will develop further through the EPA. He also welcomed Japanese companies' participation in the new airport construction, and that their knowledge and experience will be utilized.
(Note) These bills were approved at the first session of the State Great Hural, but they need to be approved at the last session before enactment.
3. Other schedule
(1) Meeting with President Elbegdorj
i) Prime Minister Abe stated that his second visit to Mongolia has been achieved, as he had promised with President Elbegdorj, and he is delighted to hold his eighth meeting with the President. Prime Minister Abe explained that this visit is evidence of the strategic partnership and his friendship with the President, and expressed his gratitude for the support the President showed for the Proactive Contribution to Peace policy at their previous meeting. Additionally, he explained that although Japan is unable to commit to the Tavan Tolgoi coalmine and East Line railway projects themselves at the present point in time, he intends to have parties from the Japanese side sincerely study the profitability and feasibility of the proposed content, and welcomes the signing of a memorandum of cooperation on the same day.
ii) In response, President Elbegdorj welcomed that Prime Minister Abe is visiting Mongolia for a second time, which is a first for an incumbent Japanese Prime Minister, and also welcomed that Prime Minister Abe is visiting the President's official residencewith his spouse, which is a first for a foreign leader.
(2) Meeting with Chairman of the State Great HuralEnkhbold
i) Ahead of the meeting, Prime Minister Abe stopped by the visitors' gallery inside the State Great Hural chamber, and received a welcome from members of parliament.
ii) In the meeting, Prime Minister Abe stated that this visit demonstrates the importance he attaches to Mongolia, and (1) welcomed the development of the "strategic partnership" as a result of frequent summit-level exchanges; (2) positively appreciated Chairman Enkhbold's visit to Japan in February this year, and expressed his expectation that exchanges between the two parliaments will increase further; and (3) welcomed the approval in the Mongolia's State Great Hural on the same day of the domestic amendment bills necessary for the entry into force of the Japan-Mongolia EPA, and expressed his expectation that the economic relationship between the two countries will deepen through the EPA.
iii) In response, Chairman Enkhbold mentioned the importance of inter-parliamentary exchanges, and emphasized that he attaches importance to relations with Japan. He also stated that he intends to move various initiatives forward in order to further strengthen Japan-Mongolia economic relations.
(3) Signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of Mongolia, and a joint press announcement
i) The "Memorandum of Cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Government of Mongolia was signed by Mr. Takenori Shimizu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, and Mr. Lundeg Purevsuren, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, in the presence of Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Saikhanbileg.
ii) Following the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Abe and Prime Minister Saikhanbileg held a joint press announcement.
(4) Floral tribute at a monument for Japanese nationals who died while interned
Prime Minister Abe visited a monument for Japanese nationals who died while interned, which is located on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar City, and made a floral tribute. This is the second time Prime Minister Abe has visited the monument, following his visit to Mongolia in March 2013.
[Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan] [Saturday, Oct 24, 2015]
Prime Minister Abe Visits Turkmenistan
An overview of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Turkmenistan is as follows.
1. Itinerary of the visit
October 23 (Friday)
Summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan
Luncheon with economic mission
Offering of a floral tribute and tree-planting ceremony to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Viewing of Akhal-Teke horses
Meeting with economic mission
Business forum
Ceremony for the awarding of an honorary professor at the Mahtumkuli Turkmen State University
Dinner hosted by President Berdimuhamedov
2. Overview of main events
(1) Summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan (Announcement of a Japan-Turkmenistan Joint Statement following the meeting)
On October 23, commencing at 9:05 a.m. local time until 11:15 a.m., Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was on an official visit to Turkmenistan, held a summit meeting that ran for over two hours with H.E. Mr. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan.
This summit meeting was the third occasion for Prime Minister Abe to hold talks with President Berdimuhamedov. The initial talks lasted for approximately 80 minutes, comprising a meeting of a small group of relevant persons. It was followed by a larger meeting, which ran for approximately 45 minutes.
I Bilateral relations
(i) General Remarks
Prime Minister Abe first stated that he is the first Prime Minister of Japan to visit Turkmenistan, and then expressed his congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan.
Prime Minister Abe indicated his intention to dispatch an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Japan to Turkmenistan in 2016, and welcomed the reciprocal exemption of diplomatic and official visas between the two countries.
(ii) Economy
President Berdimuhamedov highly appraised the activities of Japanese corporations in Turkmenistan, and welcomed the further initiatives of Japanese companies there in the future. President Berdimuhamedov also commented on the development in the area of distribution and logistics, as well as raising the level of economic activity to correspond with the untapped potential amount of trade between the two countries.
Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation for the anticipated further activities of Japanese corporations in facilitating the sophistication of Turkmenistan’s industries, and welcomed the signing of agreements totaling 2.2 trillion yen in business dealings, on the occasion of this visit.
(iii) Human resources development
Prime Minister Abe outlined the Japanese Government’s intent to utilize technical colleges and other institutions of Japanese education in engineering to assist Turkmenistan in the training and development of human resources in advanced industries. Prime Minister Abe also welcomed the progression in preparation for establishing Japanese-style engineering colleges in Turkmenistan, with the involvement of relevant parties of Japan’s academia.
(iv) People and cultural exchanges
Prime Minister Abe expressed his intent to promote people and cultural exchanges through actively implementing a range of sports programs such as judo, as well as in the areas of Japanese language education and visual contents, so as to deepen mutual understanding between the two countries. Prime Minister Abe also outlined the short-term exchange programme MIRAI, which will select 10 youths from Turkmenistan to join other youths from Europe and Central Asia in visiting Japan.
II Cooperation on regional issues
(i) General Remarks
Prime Minister Abe indicated that Japan will cooperate in facilitating the diplomatic talks known as the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, which will be held in Turkmenistan in 2016. Both leaders highlighted the importance of anti-terrorism measures, counter narcotics, and border control.
(ii) Prime Minister Abe commented on the problem of transport and logistics, which is a key issue to address in regard to regional development, and invited the Turkmen Minister of Railway Transport, Mr. Bayram Annameredov, to visit Japan within this year.
III Regional affairs
(i) The two leaders exchanged opinions on regional affairs such as Afghanistan, ISIL, and Iran.
(ii) In regard to North Korea, Prime Minister Abe stated that the country is blatantly violating the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution by continuing to develop nuclear weapons and missiles, and that the international society should work together in calling on North Korea to restrain its provocative actions and strictly observe the UN Security Council Resolution. Prime Minister Abe also stated that the North Korea abduction issue is a high priority for Japan, and expressed his hope for the understanding and cooperation of Turkmenistan in working toward an early resolution, while also requesting support for the North Korea human rights resolution.
IV Cooperation in the global arena
(i) General Remarks
Prime Minister Abe indicated that Japan will make further contributions to the peace and stability of the international society, from the position of “Proactive Contribution to Peace” and also based on the recently enacted “Legislation for Peace and Security”. Prime Minister Abe called for support of Japan’s efforts in this area.
(ii) United Nations
Prime Minister Abe stated that it is important to realize an early start to intergovernmental negotiations based on written agreements, so as to obtain specific outcomes of the reforms of the UN Security Council during the current session of the UN General Assembly. Prime Minister Abe also called for the active support and participation of Turkmenistan in regard to this.
(iii) World Tsunami Day
Prime Minister Abe expressed his appreciation to Turkmenistan for their decision to become a cosponsor of the proposal for a UN General Assembly Resolution on designating November 5 as “World Tsunami Day”.
(iv) Disarmament and non-proliferation
President Berdimuhamedov appraised the activities of Japan in the area of disarmament and their support of the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free-Zone in Central Asia (CANWFZ).
(2) Luncheon with economic mission
On October 23, commencing at 12:10 p.m. local time (October 23 at 4:10 p.m., Japan time) for approximately 15 minutes, Prime Minister Abe held a luncheon with an accompanying economic mission on this visit and relevant parties from Japanese corporations in Turkmenistan, among other attendees.
At the luncheon, Prime Minister Abe commented on the remarkable economic growth of Turkmenistan and the country’s positive sentiment toward Japan, while highlighting its high expectations of Japan in regard to technology and experience.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe indicated that the Japanese Government will also provide full cooperation with the activities of Japanese private organizations in Turkmenistan, from the perspective of strengthening bilateral relations.
(3) Meeting with economic mission
On October 23, commencing at 4:55 p.m. local time (October 23 at 8:55 p.m., Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Prime Minister Abe and President Berdimuhamedov attended a meeting with an accompanying economic mission on this visit.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Abe mentioned the advancement of bilateral relations in a range of fields, which was facilitated by President Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Japan in 2013, highlighting in particular the importance of economic relations.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe directly introduced representatives from Japan’s financial and other circles to President Berdimuhamedov, and informed President Berdimuhamedov of the Government of Japan’s stance of also actively backing cooperation in the private sector.
(4) Business forum
(i) On October 23, commencing at 5:30 p.m. local time (October 23 at 9:30 p.m., Japan time) for approximately 45 minutes, Prime Minister Abe attended the Japan-Turkmenistan Business Forum hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Japan-Turkmenistan Economic Committee (Secretariat: Japan Association for Trade with Russia and NIS (ROTOBO)).
(ii) In his greeting, Prime Minister Abe commented on the importance of Turkmenistan, which has the world’s second largest reserves of gas fields, while also noting the remarkable progress in economic cooperation between the two countries. Furthermore, Prime Minister Abe outlined advancements made in a variety of business dealings totaling over $18 billion, and expressed his hope to further strengthen Japan-Turkmenistan relations in a wide range of fields.
(iii) This Forum was attended by President Berdimuhamedov and also relevant parties from the public and private economic sectors of both countries. The attendees engaged in a lively exchange of opinions on enhancing Japan-Turkmenistan economic relations.
(5) Dinner hosted by President Berdimuhamedov and tea ceremony
(i) On October 23, commencing at 7:27 p.m. local time (October 23 at 11:27 p.m., Japan time) for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, Prime Minister Abe attended a dinner hosted by President Berdimuhamedov at the Presidential Palace. The dinner started with a speech and toast led by President Berdimuhamedov. Prime Minister Abe then commented on how President Berdimuhamedov has visited Japan twice in the past two years, and that this visit to Turkmenistan is the first stop in his tour of five nations in Central Asia, which is the first-ever such tour by a Prime Minister of Japan. Prime Minister Abe also stated he is confident that this visit, which also has an accompanying economic mission from Japan’s financial circles, will achieve dramatic progress in bilateral relations. The dinner then continued and concluded in a genial and harmonious atmosphere.
(ii) Following the dinner, commencing at 9:02 p.m. local time (October 24 at 1:02 a.m., Japan time) for approximately 50 minutes, Prime Minister Abe attended a tea ceremony hosted by President Berdimuhamedov. The tea ceremony was held in a traditional tent-style residence (yurt) at the Presidential Palace.
