On October 23, 2019, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbai Zheenbekov met with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

Prospects of Kyrgyz-Japanese bilateral cooperation were discussed at the meeting.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was glad to meet with President Sooronbai Zheenbekov for the first time and his visit to the country. He expressed gratitude for the warm words of support in connection with the victims from the consequences of the Typhoon that hit Japan the days before.

He noted with satisfaction the developing ties with Kyrgyzstan in the sphere of inter-parliamentary relations, economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

He noted that Japan and Kyrgyzstan share common values for the protection of human rights and support the development of parliamentary democracy.

Mr. Shinzo Abe stressed his readiness to intensify cooperation in many areas, including in the field of high-quality technologies.

President Sooronbai Zheenbekov congratulated the Japanese people on the Enthronement of Emperor Naruhito, noting that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive cooperation with Japan.

He thanked for the assistance provided to the development of the economy of Kyrgyzstan, the implementation of significant social and economic projects in the country.

Sooronbai Zheenbekov expressed interest in enhancing mutually beneficial economic cooperation, noting the great potential in the field of small and medium-sized businesses.

He noted with satisfaction the growing interest of Japanese companies in the implementation of business projects in Kyrgyzstan, noting their successful activities.

He drew the attention of the Prime Minister of Japan to the large hydropower potential of Kyrgyzstan.

"We have good opportunities for the construction of small hydroelectric power plants. In order to develop cooperation in the energy sector, we are ready to send a delegation to Japan in the near future, " President Sooronbai Zheenbekov said.

He noted that Kyrgyzstan, as a member of the EAEU and the holder of the GSP+ status, has export potential and needs to improve infrastructure, in particular the construction of phytosanitary laboratories.

President Sooronbai Zheenbekov invited the Prime Minister of Japan to visit Kyrgyzstan at a convenient time for him.

Mr. Shinzo Abe welcomed Sooronbai Zheenbekov's invitation to visit Kyrgyzstan.

"I will be happy to visit your beautiful country," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said and also invited Sooronbai Zheenbekov to visit Japan.