The first-ever Central Asia–Japan Summit took place in Tokyo, bringing together the Prime Minister of Japan and the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, outlining new directions for regional cooperation.
The declaration highlights three main priorities:
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Development of transport routes to strengthen the region’s logistics links with global markets;
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Promotion of green energy and decarbonization in line with global sustainable development trends;
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Joint educational and cultural programs aimed at knowledge exchange and workforce development.
Japan reaffirmed its support for the Middle Corridor and pledged to expand collaboration with Central Asian countries in artificial intelligence and high technologies, creating new opportunities for the region’s digital transformation.
Experts note that deepening ties with Tokyo is especially timely amid changes in the international environment following the conflict in Ukraine. The next summit is planned to be held in Kazakhstan, further integrating Central Asia into global economic and technological processes.
At the Central Asia + Japan Business Forum, Kazakhstan and Japan signed over 60 agreements valued at more than $3.7 billion. Kyrgyzstan and Japan also signed a treaty to eliminate double taxation and prevent tax evasion.
CentralasianLIGHT.org,
December 22, 2025