Japan's Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi and his counterpart in Uzbekistan have affirmed efforts to expand bilateral trade and investment.



Iwaya is currently in the Central Asian republic, following his visit to neighboring Kazakhstan.



On Wednesday, he held the first strategic dialogue with Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov.



Saidov said the meeting affirms a high level of trust between the two countries, and enables the establishment of a new partnership.



Iwaya described Uzbekistan as the most important strategic partner in maintaining and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law. He expressed his hope of boosting cooperative ties through strategic dialogue.



The two foreign ministers agreed to pursue new opportunities for cooperation in areas such as industry, energy and distribution.



Iwaya also pledged about 2.7 million dollars in grant aid to enable young Uzbek government officials, who will be involved in policymaking in the future, to gain degrees at graduate schools in Japan.
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Quiz 1:
Which country is Iwaya Takeshi currently visiting as of August 27, 2025?
A. Uzbekistan
B. Kazakhstan
C. Japan
D. Russia

Answers:
Quiz 1: A

Quiz 2:
What is the description given by Saidov about the meeting between him and Iwaya Takeshi?
A. It affirms a high level of distrust between the two countries.
B. It enables the establishment of a new partnership.
C. It confirms a low level of cooperation between the two nations.
D. It marks the end of their diplomatic relationship.

Answers:
Quiz 2: B

Quiz 3:
What did Iwaya pledge about regarding young Uzbek government officials?
A. He pledged to support them in their policymaking efforts.
B. He promised to provide scholarships for them to study in the United States.
C. He offered no assistance or support to these officials.
D. He pledged about 2.7 million dollars in grant aid to enable these officials to gain degrees at graduate schools in Japan.

Answers:
Quiz 3: D