On July 29, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) hosted a meeting of Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov, Head of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies, and Mekhriniso Abdurasulova, Head of the Japanese Studies Program with Mr. Sinichiro Nakamura, Deputy Head of Mission and Advisor at the Embassy of Japan in Uzbekistan, aimed to explore new avenues for academic and economic collaboration between Uzbekistan and Japan.

The discussion focused on strengthening institutional partnerships between the leading research institutes of both countries. The participants underlined the importance of fostering a new generation of scholars dedicated to the study of Uzbek–Japanese relations and regional developments. Mr. Nakamura, who is currently serving his third diplomatic mission in Uzbekistan, emphasized his long-standing engagement with the country’s social, political, and economic transformations over the past two decades. He praised the progress made under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s open and constructive policies and reaffirmed his personal commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

The sides exchanged views on expanding economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of green energy, industrial technologies, digital innovation, water resource management, and tourism. Uzbekistan’s growing tourism potential and Japan’s experience in service sector development were seen as complementary strengths that could be further integrated through collaborative projects. The conversation also touched on the role of connectivity, infrastructure, and academic exchange in supporting long-term bilateral engagement.

At the end of the meeting, the parties expressed a mutual interest in sustaining regular dialogue and enhancing research partnerships. Particular attention was given to advancing academic mobility, joint projects, and expert exchanges, with the shared goal of reinforcing the strategic dimension of Uzbek–Japanese cooperation in both policy and scholarly domains.