Japan aims to boost ties with Türkiye, expand collaborations abroad

The ambassador of Japan to Türkiye expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral ties with Türkiye and collaborate on ventures in third-party countries Thursday.

Marking the centenary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Republic of Türkiye, Ambassador Katsumata Takahiko highlighted the significant infrastructure projects undertaken by Japanese state-owned enterprises in Türkiye during the 1980s and 1990s.

These endeavors included the construction of hydroelectric power plants, bridges, and the iconic Marmaray tunnel, which serves as an underwater rail link connecting Europe and Asia via the Bosphorus Strait.

Ambassador Takahiko emphasized the substantial joint efforts between Türkiye and Turkmenistan in a major natural gas initiative.

Additionally, he pointed out collaborative energy ventures in the Caucasus region, such as those between Türkiye’s Calik Enerji and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corporation in Georgia.

Furthermore, Japan and Türkiye share mutual objectives in various African nations. Ambassador Takahiko underscored the potential for elevating economic relations between the two nations to new heights, noting the gradual expansion of collaborative efforts with Türkiye into diverse sectors.

With bilateral trade currently valued at $6 billion, Ambassador Katsumata highlighted the engagement of Japanese companies in construction projects in Ukraine, while also expressing optimism about the prospect of joint infrastructure initiatives with Türkiye across Africa.”