An online meeting was organized between the governor of Samarkand region Erkin Turdimov and the governor of Japan’s Nara prefecture Makoto Yamashita.

During the dialogue, issues of expanding cooperation between the regions of Uzbekistan and Japan in trade-economic, tourism, education, cultural-humanitarian spheres were discussed.

Governor Makoto Yamashita noted that connections between the cities of Nara and Samarkand have existed since the time of the ancient Silk Road. He said that even today, the ancient “Todayji” and “Horyuji” temples located in Nara city preserve historical objects reflecting the Sogdian culture.

In his speech, Ambassador of Uzbekistan Mukhsin Abdurakhmonov noted that interregional cooperation is developing based on the agreement on friendly relations signed between the Samarkand regional administration and the Nara prefecture on December 24, 2021.

Following the negotiations, the parties reached an agreement on organizing the visits of the leadership and representatives of Nara Prefecture to the country, organizing the festival “Nara Days” in Samarkand, establishing student exchanges, and developing charter flights for tourists from Nara Prefecture.