"Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue Summit Tokyo Declaration

Key Chapter Title List

1. Overview: Review of Japan-Central Asia Cooperation
2. Future Directions for Cooperation
3. Three Priority Areas of Cooperation
4. Green and Resilience
5. Connectivity
6. Human Resource Development
7. Cooperation on Regional Issues
8. Cooperation on Global Issues
9. Conclusion

Document Introduction

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the "Tokyo Declaration" issued at the first Central Asia + Japan Dialogue Summit held in Tokyo on December 20, 2025. As the inaugural summit outcome elevated to the level of Heads of State/Government since the dialogue mechanism's establishment 21 years ago in 2004, this document marks the entry of Japan's partnership with the five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan—into a new strategic phase. The declaration systematically reviews over 33 years of bilateral relations and the 21-year journey of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue, fully affirming the mechanism's role as a catalyst for maintaining and strengthening a strategic partnership based on friendship and mutual trust.

The report's main body is clearly structured. It begins by outlining the achievements of the dialogue mechanism in the past, including the establishment of specialized mechanisms such as successive Foreign Ministers' Meetings, High-Level Officials' Meetings, Tokyo Knowledge Dialogue, expert meetings in various fields, and economic and energy dialogues. Building on this foundation, the declaration clarifies the core direction for future cooperation: focusing on three priority areas—Green and Resilience, Connectivity, and Human Resource Development—through the Tokyo Initiative for the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue proposed by Japan. The document elaborates on these areas in detail, covering specific cooperation pathways such as green transition and climate change, critical mineral supply chains, disaster risk prevention and control, digital connectivity and AI governance, cross-border transport corridors, people-to-people exchanges, and multi-level talent development plans.

At the regional and global issues level, the report reveals the consensus among participating parties on a free and open international order based on the rule of law, reiterates adherence to the principles of the UN Charter, and expresses a shared stance in support of UN Security Council reform. The declaration pays special attention to the long-term stability of the situation in Afghanistan and the importance of its integration into regional processes, while welcoming progress in resolving border issues among Central Asian countries. Furthermore, the document demonstrates the aligned positions of both sides on global issues such as nuclear non-proliferation, economic security, food and energy security, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As a binding political document, this declaration not only charts a detailed roadmap for future bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Japan and Central Asian countries but also reflects the common strategic aspiration of all parties to deepen practical cooperation, enhance regional resilience, and promote economic diversification against the backdrop of profound shifts in the global geopolitical landscape. The report's analysis is based on the original text of the declaration, aiming to provide researchers with first-hand interpretation of policy trends and a reference for the cooperation framework.