On February 28, 2023, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a ceremony of signing grant contracts for 3 projects (worth 140,165 US dollars) in the field of education, within the framework of the Japan’s Government program "Grant Assistance For Grassroots Human Security Projects".

Minister of Preschool and School Education Mrs.Khilola Umarova, and First Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Preschool and School Education Mrs. Agrippina SHIN took part in the ceremony on behalf of the Government of Uzbekistan.

• Project for Promoting Improved Hygiene and Sanitation at Secondary School No.31 of Urgench City of Khorezm Region (91,000 USD);
• Project for Provision of Educational Equipment for Preschool Educational Institution No.28 of Termez City of Surkhandarya Region (24,925 USD);
• Project for Provision of Educational Equipment for Preschool Educational Institution No.19 of Termez City of Surkhandarya Region (24,240 USD).

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Uzbekistan H.E.Takashi HATORI delivered the following welcoming speech at the ceremony:

“Last year marked the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. The given year is an important year that signifies a new step towards the further development of our bilateral relations for the next decade and beyond.

Japan fully cooperates firstly in the socio-economic sphere in order to let Uzbekistan develop openly, steadily and along its own path. Grant contracts within the framework of the program "Grant Assistance For Grassroots Human Security Projects", the signing ceremony of which is held today, are one of the types of cooperation aimed at improving the well-being of the people of Uzbekistan. Since 1995, more than 415 projects have been implemented in the field of health, education and agriculture. The total amount is about 27.9 million US dollars.

Japan attaches great importance to "Investment in People" who contribute to the development of the country and have been providing support in the field of education in Uzbekistan for many years. In addition, President Mirziyoyev declared 2023 the Year of Human Care and Quality Education and is intensifying work on improvement of the quality of education. The given projects within the framework of the Program of "Grant Assistance For Grassroots Human Security Projects" correspond to the priorities of the Government of Uzbekistan and provide support to people who really need it. Within the framework of cooperation with Uzbekistan, Japan will continue to make a significant contribution to provide assistance to those who most need it.

The cooperation in the form of 3 projects signed today is the evidence of the friendship and firm will of the Japanese people to strengthen further friendly relations with Uzbekistan, located in the heart of Central Asia. I hope that Japan's support will be effectively used for the development of children who will bear the future of Uzbekistan.