Top Japanese Official Pays First Visit To Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, Aug 24 (AFP) - Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi is due to arrive Sunday in the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan on a two-day visit, the first of its kind since both countries established diplomatic relations 12 years ago.
During his visit, which is part of an official tour in Central Asia, Kawaguchi is expected to meet with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov.
"The Tajik side gives great importance to the upcoming visit of Yoriko Kawaguchi, which opens prospects for the future development of partnership between both countries in many different areas, and above all, in trade and economics," the Tajik foreign ministry said in a statement Tuesday.
Tokyo has poured 58 million dollars between 1993-2003 in an aid programme in Tajikistan, supporting small and medium companies through a grant programme and funding education and health projects, the Japanese embassy in Tajikistan's capital Dushanbe told AFP.