On March 13, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov, who was on a working visit to Japan at the invitation of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to participate in the III United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, met with Emperor Akihito and representatives of business and scientific-educational communities of the Land of the Rising Sun. In the morning, the airplane of the Turkmen leader landed at the “Haneda” International Airport in the Japanese capital. From the airport, the motorcade of the President of Turkmenistan proceeded to “Palace” Hotel, where a meeting between President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and representatives of the large business community of Japan was held. The working meeting (in the business lunch format) was held in the “Aol” Hall, where executives of the largest Japanese Corporations, such as “ITOCHU”, “TOYO Engineering”, “Kawasaki Heavy Industries”, “Mitsubishi”, “Sumitomo”, “Marubeni”, “Toshiba” and “Komatsu”, and others had assembled. Welcoming the meeting attendees, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted that he was delighted to have an opportunity to discuss our country’s economic potential in the context of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation. The current visit is connected with the III United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in the city of Sendai, and undoubtedly, the topic should be placed on the agenda of Turkmen-Japanese cooperation at its new stage. In 1948 Ashgabat was struck by the devastating earthquake, which had almost completely destroyed the city and killed thousands of people. The Turkmen capital was rebuilt, and over the years of the country’s independence it has reached its unprecedented prosperity. Seismic resistance of buildings and structures, application of modern earthquake protection technologies in construction has become an indispensable condition for all town-planning and architectural projects. In addition to the important area of partnership, in our region there are other issues concerning natural and ecological disasters, which should be tackled through joint efforts. Among them is the shrinkage of the Aral Sea. Turkmenistan, whose northern territories are under the negative impact of the Aral Sea catastrophe, takes very active part in finding the ways to reduce the severe consequences of this ecological crisis, and makes a considerable contribution to the activity of the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea. Rational and efficient use of water and other natural resources, protection of the environment are the priorities of the ecological policy of Turkmenistan, which develops close cooperation with international organizations and other states in these areas, and puts forward initiatives to tackle the global ecological issues. Outlining the concept of the modernization-oriented reforms in our country, the priorities, mechanisms and guarantees of the investment policy of Turkmenistan, as well as diversification of export markets, the head of state gave special consideration to development of the oil and gas industry of Turkmenistan with participation of Japanese companies as well. Having noted with satisfaction that today companies of Japan are our country’s important partners in the processing industries, the head of Turkmenistan cited as an example such significant projects, as construction of a gas-to-liquids plant, a natural-gasoline plant, a gas-chemical complex for production of polyethylene and polypropylene, ammonia- and carbamide-producing enterprises, and others. Speaking of prospects for cooperation in the transport-communication sector, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov centered on the large-scale international projects carried out in Turkmenistan to create transnational transport-communications corridors, on the constructive initiatives in this area, put forward by our country, which had been supported by the world community. Having invited the businessmen to participate in the infrastructure projects aimed to create an international logistics center in Turkmenistan, the leader of nation noted that expansion of the intermodal transportation network would enable to improve and speed up delivery of goods (produced by joint enterprises) to different corners of the world, and would bring large profits to Japanese partners as well. The head of state has informed that Turkmenistan’s first national satellite is to be launched in the near future; its operation will create possibilities for joint space exploration. The nation’s leader also focused attention on prospects of partnership in the field of telecommunications. Agriculture was mentioned among other sectors, in which new industrial clusters are created. Our national town-planning program is a wide field for interaction. It embraces all vital sectors and fields – the industry, transport, communication, financial and banking systems, housing and public utility sector, education, public healthcare services, culture, tourism and sports, the leader of nation said, drawing attention of the Japanese businessmen to prospects of cooperation in these sectors. The President of Turkmenistan also made a special emphasis on the enormous potential available for partnership in the tourist industry. Japanese companies’ experience and capabilities can be used to the advantage of both parties in the large-scale projects ongoing in our country, including the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone, which is being formed on the Caspian Sea coast. Speaking of a determining role of the business community in the development of interstate relations, as well as international cooperation, in economic and social progress, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov stressed strong interest of Turkmen businessmen in advancing cooperation with Japanese partners. In the course of the meeting, held in the businesslike and trust-based spirit, an exchange of opinions took place on the prospects and ways of strengthening long-term partnership in the fuel and energy sector, trade-economic field, chemical industry, transport, agriculture, water industry, as well as others equally important areas of mutual interest. The parties voiced interesting ideas on fruitful contacts in the field of investments and introduction of new production methods, which could be an important step forward in technological cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan. Proposals made by the businessmen on training of specialists, establishment of joint enterprises, service centers, etc. also testified to their willingness to promote the interaction. A new document – the Memorandum of Understanding between the “Turkmengaz” State Concern and the Consortium of Companies – “Mitsubishi Corporation” (Japan) and “Gap Inşaat, Ýatirim ve Diş Ticaret A. Ş.” (Turkey) was signed as a follow-up of the business lunch. That same day, the “Palace” Hotel hosted a solemn ceremony of conferring on the Turkmen leader the academic title of “Doctor Emeritus” of the University of Tsukuba. To this end, President of the University of Tsukuba Kyosuke Nagata, Vice-President Caroline Benton and Professor Toshinobu Usuyama arrived at the residence of the eminent guest. Opening the solemn ceremony, Mr. K. Nagata, on behalf of the event attendees, warmly welcomed the high guest, having emphasized that the meeting marked a new stage of the Turkmen-Japanese relations in the humanitarian sphere, first of all, in the field of science. The contacts, established between the University of Tsukuba and the Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, are destined to serve the same purpose. Then, the resolution on conferring on the head of Turkmen state Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov the title of “Doctor Emeritus of the University of Tsukuba”, which was approved by the members of the University Academic Council, was announced. The Turkmen leader was honored with this title for his contribution to the international mutual exchange program in the field of education and research. To the applause of the ceremony participants, the certifying diploma was presented to the Turkmen leader. The floor was given to President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov. Speaking at the ceremony, the head of state characterized the fundamental reforms and comprehensive measures carried out in our country with an aim to develop science and education, to foster all-round individuals. The Japanese model, based on high technologies and intellectual potential of the nation, could be very useful to modern Turkmenistan, which gives special consideration to the development of science and education, and on the whole, formation of highly developed intellectual society as an important factor of social-economic progress of the country in the third millennium. The experience of Japan that has made rapid and impressive economic advance is interesting and useful to Turkmenistan, following the way of progressive reforms. However, the Turkmen-Japanese cooperation is not limited to the two countries’ economic interests, and is based on deep understanding of a role of spiritual values in development of the nation. After all, the success of Japan has been achieved owing to great diligence of the people, adherence to the centuries-old spiritual values and best traditions. These are the main qualities that unite our peoples. Apparently, this is why today we speak the same language and come to mutual understanding concerning many issues, despite long distance, difference of the cultures, religions and mentality. Speaking of Japanese partners’ merits, the President of Turkmenistan announced the resolution on decorating Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan on healthcare, President of “Medical Excellence Japan” Association Shuzo Yamamoto, as well as President of Healthcare Company of “TOSHIBA” Corporation Satoshi Tsunakawa with the Magtymguly Medal. The head of state presented the awards of Turkmenistan to representatives of our partners, who expressed deep gratitude for the high appraisal of their activity, and also shared their impressions of the stay in our country, hospitality of the talented Turkmen people and beauty of white marble Ashgabat – the capital of the independent neutral state. ... Later, the President of Turkmenistan went from Tokyo to the city of Sendai by high-speed train –“Shinkansen”. In the afternoon, in the city of Sendai, an official meeting was held between President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and Emperor of Japan Akihito. The Turkmen leader proceeded from his residence in the “Metropolitan” Hotel to the deluxe “Royal Park” Hotel, where the guest of honor was warmly welcomed by the Emperor of Japan. In the course of the meeting conducted in the trust-based atmosphere, an interest-based exchange of opinions was held on prospects of the Turkmen-Japanese cooperation with its diverse potential. The parties also highlighted a constructive character of bilateral partnership in the international arena, including within the United Nations Organization, where Turkmenistan and Japan take active part in combining efforts to work out solutions to the burning issues of today, first of all, related to strengthening of peace and security, ensuring of sustainable development on the regional and global basis. In this context, an emphasis was placed on the significance of the United Nations World Forum in Sendai. During the conversation, the parties also noted the availability of excellent opportunities for the diversification of mutually advantageous bilateral partnership in the trade-economic field and implementation of new joint projects. The long-term activity of large Japanese companies in Turkmenistan, which evince keen interest in expanding their presence in the promising Turkmen market, can be cited as a vivid example of the effective business cooperation. As known, a number of large infrastructure projects are being implemented in our country with participation of Japanese partners, including development of mineral resources, introduction of technologies for production of liquefied gas, modernization of the port facilities and electric power system, etc. The sides highlighted bright prospects for partnership in the field of public healthcare services and medicine, including supplies of high-tech medical equipment. President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov and Emperor Akihito also spoke in favor of further strengthening and enriching the traditional humanitarian-cultural relations as an integral and important component of the interstate dialogue. In the frames of his visit, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov held a meeting with Rector of the Hirosaki University Kei Satoh in his residence in the “Metropolitan” Hotel. On March14, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov participated in the III United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Speaking from the rostrum of the representative forum, the Turkmen leader voiced concrete proposal of Turkmenistan, aimed at strengthening the combined efforts and mutually beneficial exchange of experience in the name of prosperity and progress in the world. Turkmenistan strongly supports that the efforts to reduce risks of natural disasters should be integrated into perspective plans and sustainable development programs, based on close regional and international cooperation between states, the head of state said. The President of Turkmenistan has stressed that the issue of creating effective multilateral mechanisms with clearly defined goals and objectives is of particular topicality. For example, to implement the proposal, recently our country has put forward a number of concrete initiatives aimed to promote regional interaction, to create efficient instruments of regional cooperation. In particular, it is our country’s initiative to establish a specialized agency under the aegis of the United Nations – the Regional Center for technologies related to climate change in Central Asia, said the Turkmen leader, having stated that Turkmenistan is ready to provide necessary infrastructure in Ashgabat for the Center’s activity. Among the main objectives of the Regional Center, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov outlined promotion of technical and technological cooperation, development and realization of the programs aimed to render assistance to Central Asian countries in dealing with negative consequences of climate change. As one of the priority areas of the Center’s activity, the nation’s leader sorted out working out of a package of measures for preventing and reducing risks of natural disasters in the region, which is regarded as highly exposed in this regard. In this context, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has highlighted that by now legal, organizational, technical, financial and other aspects, necessary for the establishment and operation of the Regional center have been prepared by the Government of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the UN Development Program. We are ready to provide them to all interested parties for further discussion, the Turkmen leader said, having proposed to support the initiative to take concrete decision in the near future. The effective model of regional interaction is essential today for ensuring ecological and technogenic safety in the Caspian Sea, whose unique biological complex is literally a wealth of all mankind. In this connection, Turkmenistan has initiated and worked out an important draft document – Agreement for Cooperation in the prevention and management of emergency situations in the Caspian Sea, which was signed by Presidents of the five Caspian Sea littoral states at the Summit in last year’s September. Along with stepping up its activity in the field of disaster risk reduction on a regional level, in the near future our country intends to begin working out a package of measures, necessary to develop a Disaster Risk Reduction National Strategy, the head of state highlighted. The contents of the National Strategy of Turkmenistan will be based on provisions of the multilateral documents in this field and international practice of their implementation, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said. In particular, it is expected, while working out the strategy, priority consideration will be paid to creation of a set of national measures, emphasized the nation’s leader, having acquainted the forum participants with the key issues in detail. As the head of state noted, the first point is development of the relevant legal framework; the second one is setting up of a coordinating body of state administration, as well as a scientific establishment, expert and technical working groups in areas of activities; the third one is setting up a modern emergency medical service; the fourth one is activities aimed at strengthening seismic safety, as well as desertification control; the fifth one is creation of an early public warning system and public awareness of disaster risks; the sixth one is progressive development and strengthening of international and regional cooperation. Speaking of the importance and topicality of the meeting, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov noted that they are determined by those serious problems, which the international community faces in realization of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. The marking point has been reached in the process, the nation’s leader stated, having stressed the necessity of making a well-considered and detailed analysis, evaluating the preliminary results, and working out future plans and objectives. As known, today the UN member countries are completing the work on drawing up the post-2015 Development Agenda, which includes the Sustainable Development Goals, President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said, having highlighted that two years ago our country joined the national consultations on the issue, organized by the UN. Turkmenistan has submitted its national survey to the UN Secretariat, having given the recommendations, concerning the post-2015 program of the Community of Nations. Having stressed that the proposals on nature protection hold a special place in the survey, the head of Turkmen state said that in the future it would be necessary to develop more detailed plans and programs, which cover ecology-related issues, including disaster risk reduction. The forum participants listened to the speech of the Turkmen leader with profound interest and welcomed it with applause. After completing the program of his working visit to Japan, the head of Turkmen state proceeded to the “Haneda” International Airport in Tokyo. Here, the nation’s leader had a short conversation with Japan’s State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Daishiro Yamagiwa. Then, warmly parting with the State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry and other dignitaries of Japan, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov boarded the aircraft and left for the Motherland.