Uzbekistan is expanding international partnerships to tackle environmental challenges and promote sustainable development, with Japan emerging as a key partner in the effort.

Presidential adviser on environmental issues and chairman of the Uzbek National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change, Aziz Abdukhakimov, met with a Japanese delegation led by Vice-Minister for Global Environmental Affairs Kentaro Doi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation on environmental protection and sustainable development, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

During the talks, both sides emphasized that modern environmental challenges - including climate change and pollution - require coordinated global action to protect ecosystems for present and future generations.

Following the meeting, the Uzbek committee and the Japanese Ministry of Environment signed a memorandum of cooperation on environmental protection.

The agreement outlines joint efforts in several priority areas, including combating climate change, reducing air pollution, preventing water contamination, and improving waste management systems. It also provides for capacity-building initiatives such as conferences, seminars, and expert exchanges between the two countries.

Officials say the memorandum will lay the groundwork for new joint environmental projects and further strengthen the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Japan in protecting the environment.