Kazakhstan: A Hub for Deepening Regional Cooperation between Central Asia and Japan

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated in Tokyo, "The international agency of Central Asia and its important role in international processes are becoming increasingly prominent."

On December 20, 2025, the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries and the Prime Minister of Japan will gather in Tokyo for the first-ever Central Asia-Japan Dialogue Summit. President Tokayev addressed the meeting, expressing gratitude to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for initiating this historic meeting.

This summit marks a significant upgrade to the "Central Asia + Japan" foreign ministerial dialogue mechanism launched in 2004. Tokayev pointed out that holding such an important forum in Tokyo has special significance for Kazakhstan and the entire Central Asian region.

01 Historical Review: The Evolution of the Central Asia-Japan Dialogue Mechanism

The "Central Asia + Japan" dialogue mechanism is not a new concept. In August 2004, Japan and Central Asian countries held their first foreign ministers' meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan, launching this cooperation platform. This mechanism was the first "C5+1" cooperation framework established between countries outside the region and the five Central Asian countries, and was later imitated by the United States, India, South Korea, and other countries.

As early as 1997, the Japanese government proposed a "Eurasian diplomacy" strategy centered on "Silk Road diplomacy," referring to the eight Central Asian and Caucasus countries as the "Silk Road region" and placing this region in an important position in Japan's diplomatic strategy.

This mechanism has gone through four periods: institutionalization, a low ebb, stable development, and adjustment and transformation. As of June 2024, the mechanism had held nine foreign ministers' meetings, 16 senior officials' meetings, and 12 "Tokyo Dialogues."

02 Economic Linkage: Trade, Investment, and Energy Cooperation Go Hand in Hand

In his speech, Tokayev pointed out that Japan has become a major investor in Kazakhstan's economy, with investments exceeding US$8.5 billion. Last year, bilateral trade reached approximately US$2 billion, with Kazakhstan supplying the Japanese market with uranium, rare earth metals, and oil.

Energy cooperation has become an important pillar of bilateral economic relations. Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan provides approximately 40% of the world's nuclear fuel supply, while nearly 10% of the world's electricity comes from nuclear power plants.

He stated, "The combination of Kazakhstan's resource potential and Japan's advanced nuclear energy technology creates favorable opportunities for successful cooperation in this strategic area."

During the summit, the two sides signed more than 60 bilateral documents, including commercial agreements worth over $3.7 billion. These agreements cover multiple sectors, including energy, science and technology, and infrastructure, reflecting the breadth and depth of bilateral economic cooperation.

03 Regional Connectivity: Building a Hub in Eurasia

Central Asia, located at the crossroads of major trade routes between East and West, and North and South, offers Japan enormous opportunities due to its transit and logistical potential. Tokayev pointed out that over 80% of land freight between Asia and Europe passes through Kazakhstan.

The development of the trans-Caspian international transport route is particularly important. Tokayev welcomed the Japanese government's decision to participate in improving customs procedures at the port of Aktau on the Caspian coast.

He believes that Japanese companies' participation in the construction of railways, ports, highways, and logistics infrastructure along the Central Corridor will be highly beneficial.

This connectivity strategy echoes China's Belt and Road Initiative. China is promoting connectivity in Central Asia, supporting the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, and developing China-Europe freight train hubs.

Central Asian countries are cautiously maintaining a balanced diplomatic strategy while cooperating with multiple parties.

04 Sustainable Development: Agriculture, Water Resources, and Green Technologies

Faced with the challenges of global climate change, Tokayev proposed establishing a joint research platform with Japan in the field of sustainable agriculture. He pointed out that Central Asian countries possess strong agricultural industrial complexes and can play a more important role in ensuring global food security.

Japan's experience in implementing resource-saving technologies, cultivating drought-resistant crops, and developing smart farms is of practical significance to Kazakhstan. Tokayev proposed establishing a sustainable agriculture research platform with the participation of Japanese scientists and industry experts.

Water resource management is another key area of ​​cooperation. Over the past 20 years, per capita available water in Central Asia has decreased by nearly 30%, and approximately 70% of its water resources are transboundary.

Tokayev proposed the establishment of a new international organization—the United Nations Water Organization—under the auspices of the United Nations, to consolidate the fragmented authority of other organizations on water resource issues.

In the energy sector, Tokayev emphasized that energy transition must be balanced and equitable. Kazakhstan intends to attract green technologies from Japan to convert traditional energy resources into cleaner energy sources.

05. People-to-People Exchange: Tourism, Education, and Social Interaction

Tokayev pointed out that all Central Asian countries possess a long history, unique cultural heritage, and beautiful natural scenery, which are attractive to Japanese tourists. He suggested developing unified Central Asian tourism routes for Japanese tourists and simplifying visa procedures.

The education sector also holds potential for cooperation. Tokayev invited Japan to consider establishing representative offices of Japanese universities and educational centers in Kazakhstan.

Japan already has a certain foundation in people-to-people exchanges with Central Asia. In the past, Japan established "Japan Talent Development Centers" in Central Asian countries through Official Development Assistance (ODA), offering courses in law, finance, marketing, and other fields.

This kind of people-to-people exchange is mutually beneficial. Tokayev stated that simplifying visa procedures will allow Japanese tourists to visit multiple countries in the region in a single trip, while also giving Kazakhstanians the opportunity to experience the beauty and harmony of Japan.

Following the Tokyo Summit, the second Central Asia-Japan Summit has been confirmed to be held in Kazakhstan. This arrangement highlights Kazakhstan's central role in regional cooperation.

The relationship between Japan and Central Asian countries is rooted in a distant past, when their peoples were closely connected through the Silk Road. With the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, this historical connection is being revitalized in a new geopolitical context.

For Central Asian countries, cooperation with Japan helps balance relations with major powers and maintain strategic autonomy. For Japan, deepening relations with Central Asia ensures energy security and expands its regional influence.

This mutually beneficial model represents a new paradigm for regional cooperation in today's complex international landscape.