The press service said that Nobuhiko Shima visited the Ministry of Culture and Sport Affairs of Uzbekistan.

It was said that Japan highly rates the facts that Buddhism came to Japan through Surkhandarya region and received status of state religion. Nobuhiko Shima said that Japan expresses great attitude to Uzbekistan for assistance during Fukusima disaster.

President of “Japan-Uzbekistan” Friendship Association Nobuhiko Shima said that number of persons, who wish to visit Uzbekistan, is increasing and they want to familiarize with ancient architectures of the country.

At the meeting in the Ministry, President of “Japan-Uzbekistan” Friendship Association Nobuhiko Shima was awarded with honourable diploma of the Ministry of Culture and Sport Affairs in connection with the 15th anniversary of creation of the Association and contribution to development of the Uzbek-Japanese cooperation.