A Japanese delegation, comprised of the deputy director of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of the Offenders, Takeshi Seto; a professor of the institute, Koji Yamada; an international training specialist, Ikuo Kosaka; and a JICA [Japan International Cooperation Agency] specialist, Jun Katori, have visited the Interior Ministry of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The delegation met with the deputy minister, Col A. Sharofiddinov, and the head of a department of the main investigation directorate, Lt-Col D. Toshkhojayev, Uzbek newspaper Na Postu reported on 17 November.

The sides discussed issues related to countering illegal drug circulation, terrorism and religious extremism, and some other criminal activities. The sides also exchanged opinions on preventive measures against violations of law and recurrent crime. In particular, the Japanese delegation was very interested in the institution of Mahalla [local neighbourhood], which is a reliable ally of police inspectors in preventing unlawful actions. In addition, the visitors expressed satisfaction with the progress in reforming the judicial system directed towards liberalizing criminal sanctions, introducing an institution of reconciliation, and of course with the evidence of ensuring independence of judicial structures, in particular the latest decree on transferring the authority to issue arrest sanctions to courts.

The sides also touched upon the issues raised at a regular meeting of the UN Committee Against Torture, in which Uzbek and Japanese representatives attended. A. Sharofiddinov noted large-scale work currently implemented to standardize criminal prosecution, which in turn will significantly contribute to preventing such negative facts as obtaining evidences by way of unlawful forced, psychological and other influence.

The meeting took place in a friendly environment of mutual interest. The sides expressed confidence in further developing and expanding long-standing cooperation between the two countries.