Japan says it will not pressure Uzbekistan over Russia–Ukraine war

Despite Japan’s recognition of Russia as an aggressor state and its imposition of sanctions on Moscow, this stance will not affect Tokyo’s relations with Tashkent. This was stated at a press conference in Tashkent during Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya’s visit to Uzbekistan on August 26–27.

A QALAMPIR.UZ correspondent asked Kitamura Toshihiro, Press Secretary of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, whether Uzbekistan’s decision not to officially label Russia as an aggressor state influences its relations with Japan. The question highlighted Uzbekistan’s historical ties with Russia, its Soviet past, and the continued economic dependence of many former Soviet states on Moscow.

“The relationship between Russia and the Central Asian countries is a very delicate issue. Each country should take into account the relations it establishes with other countries. Even if it is with Russia, such relations do not affect the relations of other countries with Japan,” said Toshihiro.

He stressed that political issues should not hinder economic cooperation. Referring to Foreign Minister Iwaya’s August 25 visit to Kazakhstan, he noted that Japan continues to view Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a violation of international law but does not pressure other nations to adopt the same position.

“During our visit to Kazakhstan, we also touched upon the Russia–Ukraine issue and once again emphasized that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is nothing more than a violation of international law. Japan considers Russia an aggressor but does not pressure other countries to make such a choice. This depends on each country’s own political views. We believe that the Uzbek government also has its own policy. We may raise this issue at the ministerial meeting, where we will explain our position. Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia, so we cannot export or import goods with Russia,” Iwaya said.

Discussing plans for Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Iwaya said Japan is committed to enhancing cooperation with the region. This, he added, requires improving transport links and infrastructure.

“We discussed the opening of trade routes through the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan. The Caspian route can have a positive impact on the economies of Central Asian countries. To do this, we need to improve infrastructure and also focus on soft infrastructure, meaning customs systems. In addition, we must ensure that goods can reach Europe through Central Asia without any obstacles,” the press secretary said.

Japan was one of the first countries to impose sanctions on Moscow after the start of the Russia–Ukraine conflict. These included a ban on Russian government bonds, freezing the assets of certain individuals and banks, and visa restrictions. In April 2024, the Japanese Ministry of Economy and Industry announced restrictions on 164 export categories, including automotive engine oil and optical equipment, and extended sanctions to organizations accused of helping Russia bypass restrictions. In early 2025, Japan adopted another sanctions package, freezing the assets of 11 individuals, 29 organizations, and three banks, while introducing additional restrictions on 22 Russian entities and 335 categories of export goods. Relations between Moscow and Tokyo are now at their lowest point in history.

On August 26, Foreign Minister Iwaya and his wife arrived in Uzbekistan, visiting Samarkand to lay flowers at the grave of the First President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov. On August 27, Iwaya arrived in Tashkent, where he held talks with Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and was received by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.