President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Addresses the First Central Asia–Japan Dialogue Summit

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Tokyo, Japan

In his address, the Head of State expressed gratitude to Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi for the initiative to convene today's historic meeting and for the warm hospitality.

- Hosting such an important forum in Tokyo, a global metropolis renowned for its high level of development, is an event of great significance for Kazakhstan and, I believe, for the whole of Central Asia. It is symbolic that Japan, represented by former Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms. Yoriko Kawaguchi, initiated the establishment of the Central Asia-Japan Dialogue. The first meeting at the level of foreign ministers was held in Astana in 2004. This event served as an example for launching similar Central Asia platforms with other major countries, - the President of Kazakhstan stated.

In his view, such summits demonstrate the strengthening of Central Asia's international agency and its significant role in global processes.

- The Kazakh people have always held the history, traditions, and culture of the Japanese people in deep respect. Japanese philosophy is grounded in the values of harmony, restraint, and wisdom, which resonate with the Kazakh people. As early as the 7th century, Prince Shōtoku spoke of harmony as the highest value, calling for unity and cooperation. Japan has entered the historic Reiwa era - the 'Era of Beautiful Harmony.' Today's relations between Japan and the countries of Central Asia are rooted in the distant past when our peoples were united by the Great Silk Road, - Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

The Head of State highlighted Japan's economic successes, which consistently place it at the forefront of scientific, technical, and technological progress, as well as the dynamic development of the Central Asian region, with vast potential for comprehensive international cooperation

The President expressed Kazakhstan's readiness to create the necessary conditions and ensure a favorable investment climate for the successful implementation of joint projects with Japan.

In this context, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared his vision for promising areas of Kazakh-Japanese cooperation.

During the President of Kazakhstan's visit to Japan, more than 60 bilateral documents were signed, with a total value exceeding $3.7 billion

First and foremost, greater efforts are needed to intensify trade, economic and investment ties. Last year, bilateral trade reached approximately $2 billion. Kazakhstan supplies the Japanese market with uranium, rare earth metals, as well as oil. Japan has become one of the major investors in Kazakhstan's economy, with total investments exceeding $8.5 billion. For many years, Kazakhstan has successfully cooperated with leading Japanese corporations and actively supports the activities of Japanese small and medium-sized enterprises in our country. I am confident that the outcomes of the Central Asia-Japan Business Forum will help strengthen B2B contacts and lead to concrete agreements on the implementation of new investment projects. As part of my visit to Japan, more than 60 bilateral documents, including commercial agreements totaling over $3.7 billion, have been signed.

The Head of State welcomed the decision of the Government of Japan to participate in improving customs procedures at the Port of Aktau

Significant opportunities for Japan are opened by the transit and logistics potential of Central Asia, which plays an important role as a crossroads of major trade routes between East and West, and North and South. More than 80% of overland freight traffic between Asia and Europe passes through the territory of Kazakhstan. Particular importance is attached to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. We welcome the decision of the Government of Japan to take part in improving customs procedures at the Port of Aktau on the Caspian Sea. We also consider it useful for Japanese companies to participate in the future development of railway, port, road and logistics infrastructure along the Middle Corridor.

President: "Kazakhstan is interested in attracting Japanese expertise, innovation and investment into projects for the extraction and processing of traditional energy resources using green technologies"

The development of clean energy is regarded by us as a strategic long-term priority. Kazakhstan is interested in attracting Japanese expertise, innovation and investment into projects for the extraction and processing of traditional energy resources using green technologies. Amid geopolitical instability and growing global energy demand, hydrocarbon resources will continue to play an important role in ensuring the stability of the world economy. We proceed from the need for a balanced and fair energy transition. Kazakhstan ranks among the world's top ten coal-producing countries, with coal accounting for around 70% of the national energy mix. In this regard, we look forward to attracting the most advanced technologies to transform this natural asset into a powerful source of energy.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: "The combination of Kazakhstan's resource potential and Japan's advanced nuclear technologies opens up favorable opportunities for successful cooperation"

Nuclear energy occupies an important place on the green agenda. Kazakhstan accounts for around 40% of global supplies of nuclear fuel. This is particularly significant given that nearly 10% of the world's electricity is generated by nuclear power plants. The combination of Kazakhstan's resource potential and Japan's advanced nuclear technologies opens up favorable opportunities for successful cooperation in this strategically important sector, primarily through the introduction of innovations. Of particular interest are projects in the areas of nuclear waste management, nuclear safety, and the training of highly qualified personnel, including in the field of civil protection.

President: "Kazakhstan welcomes the Next-Generation SmartMining Plus project launched jointly with Japan"

Central Asia possesses substantial reserves of rare earth elements and other critical minerals essential for the global energy transition. Our region can become a reliable link in global supply chains to support clean and energy-efficient industries. Kazakhstan looks forward to intensifying cooperation with Japan in the exploration, extraction and processing of these resources. At the same time, priority is given to the creation of a full-fledged industrial cluster with a focus on deep processing and the establishment of sustainable production chains. In this regard, Kazakhstan welcomes the Next-Generation SmartMining Plus project launched jointly with Japan, aimed at digitalizing production processes and enhancing environmental sustainability.

The Head of State proposed the establishment of a joint research platform in the field of sustainable agriculture

Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to the development of agriculture. Central Asian countries traditionally possess strong agro-industrial sectors and are capable of playing a more significant role in ensuring global food security. For Kazakhstan, Japan's experience in introducing resource-efficient technologies, breeding drought-resistant crops, and developing smart farming solutions is of practical interest. In this regard, we propose establishing a Research Platform on Sustainable Agriculture with the involvement of Japanese scientists and relevant sectoral experts. We also propose holding in Astana the first meeting of scientists and researchers in applied sciences from our countries within the Central Asia-Japan format.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: "Kazakhstan values the contribution of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to addressing complex water challenges in Central Asia"

The development of agriculture is directly linked to ensuring water security. Central Asia is already experiencing a shortage of water resources. Over the past 20 years, per capita water availability in the region has declined by nearly 30%, while around 70% of water resources are transboundary. The continuing shallowing of the Caspian Sea is a source of serious concern, and the environmental disaster of the Aral Sea stands as a tragic example of the irrational use of water resources. Kazakhstan values the contribution of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to addressing complex water challenges in Central Asia and is interested in further strengthening cooperation with this authoritative institution.

President: "Japan's expertise in automating and digitalizing the water sector is of particular interest to us"

A joint program for water management development could be elaborated, incorporating such critically important measures as the exchange of advanced water-saving technologies, joint scientific research, and cooperation in the field of Earth remote sensing. Kazakhstan proposes the establishment of a new international organization under the auspices of the United Nations - the UN Water International Organization - which could bring together the fragmented mandates of other organizations dealing with water issues. We invite Japanese policymakers, public figures, business leaders and experts to take part in the Regional Environmental Summit, to be held in Astana in April next year.

The Head of State supported the Tokyo Initiative aimed at developing AI partnership with Central Asian countries

I would like to underscore the exceptional importance of cooperation in the field of digital transformation and the development of artificial intelligence. Japanese innovations are widely recognized for their quality, reliability and high technological standards. Kazakhstan has embarked on the path of becoming a digital state. To this end, the Alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence has been established. This year, Kazakhstan launched two supercomputers based on U.S. technologies. Next year, implementation of the Digital Qazaqstan strategy will begin, aimed at digitalizing industry, the public sector, the social sphere and education. Thus, Kazakhstan is creating favorable conditions for the further development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. In this regard, we welcome the Tokyo Initiative, including the launch of a new partnership format on artificial intelligence between Central Asian countries and Japan. We propose hosting this platform at Astana Hub, the largest IT startup technopark in Central Asia, and the Alem.ai International Center, which possess the necessary infrastructure and a well-developed international ecosystem.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed opening representative offices of Japanese universities and educational centers in Kazakhstan

Human capital is the main driver of development, and Japan has convincingly demonstrated the validity of this principle. The strength of your nation lies in its people - in respect for work, the pursuit of excellence, the ability to learn throughout life, and the generous sharing of knowledge with future generations. Kazakhstan is actively developing its education sector, including through cooperation with foreign partners. Branches of leading international universities are successfully operating in the country. We invite Japan to consider the possibility of opening representative offices of Japanese universities and educational centers in Kazakhstan.

The development of a unified tourist route and the simplification of visa procedures - the Head of State highlighted these as priority areas for cooperation with Japan in the tourism sector

All Central Asian countries possess a rich history, distinctive cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, which can undoubtedly be of interest to Japanese tourists. Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with Japan in the tourism sector. It would be beneficial to develop a unified Central Asian tourist route for Japanese visitors, as well as to simplify visa procedures for citizens of Central Asia. This would enable tourists from Japan to visit several countries of the region within a single trip, while allowing our citizens to experience the beauty and harmony of the "Land of the Rising Sun". I would like once again to congratulate Japan on the successful hosting of EXPO 2025 in Osaka. We are pleased to have received the Gold Award in the category "Theme Development".

President: "Kazakhstan has been honored with the right to host the World Judo Championships in 2027"

We are also interested in developing cooperation in the field of sports, particularly in promoting traditional Japanese martial arts such as judo, sumo and kendo. Kazakhstan has been honored with the right to host the World Judo Championships in 2027. The day before yesterday, I was pleased to meet the well-known Japanese sumo wrestler of Kazakh origin, Kinbōzan Haruki (Yersin Baltagul). I am confident that our close cultural and humanitarian ties will continue to serve as a solid foundation for strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.

At the summit, speeches were also delivered by Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

As a result of the Central Asia-Japan Summit, the Tokyo Declaration was adopted.

Kazakhstan will take over the presidency in this format.

The Heads of State of Central Asia and the Prime Minister of Japan decided to hold the next summit in Kazakhstan.