Japan has made clear its intentions to convene its first-ever summit with Central Asian countries. The decision underscores the importance of the region as an emerging leader on the global stage. The summit is scheduled for next month and aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and foster economic cooperation among Japan and the five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
This unprecedented convening of people’s power will happen in Tokyo. It represents a major step, though still a small one, in Japan’s recalibrated foreign policy towards Central Asia. The initiative seeks to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration on various issues, including trade, energy security, and regional stability. Heads of state and government from the qualifying countries will meet in Tokyo. Whether for good or ill, they will help determine how international relations in the region will evolve.
Japan’s choice to host this summit is a product of the growing geopolitical importance of Central Asia. Over the past few years, the region has attracted attention from global powers seeking to secure resources and establish trade routes. Japan is putting major efforts into expanding its stake in this vital region. The country wants to increase shared interests and hedge against the adverse influence of other countries, chiefly China and Russia.
The summit will uniquely focus on these and other major challenges like climate change, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. Through cooperation on these initiatives, Japan seeks to develop sustainable relations with Central Asian nations. This move fits within Japan’s overall plan to diversify its economic connections outside of their usual partners.
To that end, Japanese officials have been staying busy ahead of the summit, courting their Central Asian counterparts. They are putting together 1-5 key agenda items and figuring out where they can work together. The summit meetings have underscored a mutual commitment not just to encourage stability, but ultimately prosperity within and beyond the region, while collaboratively confronting common challenges.