Japan upgrades Central Asia ties with first leaders’ summit
Japan hosted its first leaders-level summit with Central Asian republics, elevating a diplomatic framework launched more than two decades ago
TOKYO (MNTV) — Japan hosted its first leaders-level summit with the five Central Asian republics on Friday, elevating a diplomatic framework launched more than two decades ago as the region seeks to diversify partnerships beyond Russia and China.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi opened the “Central Asia + Japan” summit in Tokyo, bringing heads of state together for talks scheduled to run through Dec. 20. Until now, the dialogue had largely been conducted at the foreign minister or senior official level since Japan launched the initiative in 2004.
The summit comes as Central Asian governments pursue multi-vector foreign policies and as Japan seeks to maintain an active regional role amid expanding engagement by the European Union, the United States, and South Korea.
Concrete outcomes from the opening day were limited, though Japan’s Foreign Ministry said bilateral diplomacy on the sidelines of the summit resulted in agreements with Tajikistan.
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Tajik counterpart, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, agreed on a cooperation program covering 2026–28 as well as an investment treaty.
Japan is also hosting a parallel “Central Asia + Japan” business forum, organized by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aimed at promoting trade ties and private-sector cooperation.
The leaders’ summit followed a series of high-level bilateral meetings earlier in the week. On Dec. 18, Takaichi met Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Tokyo, where the two sides signed a strategic partnership statement focused on energy cooperation, critical minerals, and expanded economic ties.
During his visit, Tokayev also met executives from major Japanese companies, including Rakuten Group and Sumitomo Corp., to discuss collaboration in digital innovation, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nuclear medicine, according to Kazakhstan’s presidential office.
Kazakhstan and Japan additionally signed a memorandum of understanding between their capitals, Astana and Tokyo, aimed at cooperation on smart city technologies, digital governance, and sustainable urban development.
While Friday’s summit produced few headline announcements, analysts say its symbolism is significant. The gathering signals Japan’s intent to engage Central Asia at the highest political level, with broader commitments expected once talks conclude and a joint statement or action plan is released.
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