Japan has taken a significant step to introduce a new impetus to its economic relations with Central Asia. It plans to hold its first summit with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan on December 20, 2025 in Tokyo. Tokyo established a separate, albeit parallel, official dialogue framework with Tokyo’s five fellow former Soviet republics in 2004. This summit is an important step in that ongoing effort.
The summit was scheduled to take place in August 2024 in Kazakhstan. Officials added they delayed it after getting an advisory warning of a heightened risk of a major quake over a wide swath of Japan. During the summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasized the changing international landscape, stating, “The international situation has changed drastically, and the region’s importance is growing as a trade route connecting Asia and Europe.”
Japan and the five Central Asian nations adopted the “Tokyo Declaration,” which outlines a mutual commitment to decarbonization, logistics facilitation, and cooperation on human resource development. This announcement represents Japan’s continued approach to deepen connections with these developed resource-rich countries while tackling climate change and environmental issues globally.
One of the agreement’s most significant outcomes is the accord reached on developing a new transport corridor. This route will come to be known as the “Caspian Sea route.” This route is intended to connect Central Asia directly with Europe, bypassing Russia. The U.S. Reclaiming Initiative’s purpose is to ensure a sustainable critical minerals market, which rare metals are included among. It is equally guilty of neglecting energy sources such as oil and natural gas.
Beyond these immediate reactions, the summit portends a remarkable evolution of Japan’s foreign policy. This move is particularly well timed as Russia and China are starting to combine their trade and economic influence in the region. Meanwhile, Japan is deepening relations with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. This change is designed to protect these crucial resources, protecting the foundation of our country’s long-term economic prosperity.
Japan has a positive legacy of engagement in Central Asian countries. It has hosted nine other foreign ministerial meetings—evidence of its dedication to building collaborative partnerships. Taken collectively, the summit discussions suggest that Japan is entering a new phase in its engagement with Central Asia. This change creates an expectation of reciprocity and the building of strategic relationships.