Serving as Vice-Chairperson of the Japan-Kyrgyzstan Parliamentary Friendship Association, I have had a close relationship with the Kyrgyz Republic for long years. Chairperson of the Association is Mr. Gen Nakatani, former Minister of Defense. After the Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor finished, we invited President of the Kyrgyz Republic H.E. Mr. Sooronbay Jeenbekov and his attendants to our tea party, exchanged greetings with each other, and had extensive discussions.
The Kyrgyz Republic is a small country located in Central Asia surrounded by two great powers, Russia and China. The President explained to us the nation’s strenuous efforts in building the country, maintaining close ties with Japan. I was deeply impressed by every word he said. We discussed overall issues including Japan’s economic support for the Kyrgyz Republic, regional development projects to be promoted under Japan’s cooperation with the country, and specific matters which the Association has to deal with. We had a very meaningful discussion. We also agreed to promote the plan which I suggested half a year ago to set up a Central Asia and Japan Ministerial Meeting on Environment.
