20.12.2025

During his official visit to Japan, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received the Mayor of Nara City Gen Nakagawa.

Issues of further developing interregional ties, with a special emphasis on strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation, were discussed.

The establishment of sister-city relations between Samarkand and Nara, which share deep historical ties, was highly praised. It was emphasized that for many centuries, Samarkand was the center of the Great Silk Road, while the ancient Japanese capital of Nara served as its eastern gateway. These cities played a significant role in the development of international trade and the exchange of knowledge, forming cultural bridges between civilizations.

The importance was noted of thorough preparations for an archaeological exhibition on the culture and history of Uzbekistan, which will be held at the Nara National Museum in 2027. This project is expected to be a major cultural event commemorating the 35th anniversary of the establishment of Uzbek-Japanese diplomatic relations.

As a symbol of the eternal friendship and cultural-historical affinity between the two countries and peoples, Gen Nakagawa announced the city's decision to name one of Nara's new parks in honor of Samarkand.

During the conversation, the need for active promotion of trade, economic, and investment ties between the two sister cities was also emphasized, along with the implementation of joint cooperation projects in areas such as agriculture, tourism, textiles, transport, logistics, and urban planning.