Japan Launches First C5+1 Summit with Central Asian States

Japan is set to host the first-ever C5+1 summit with the leaders of Central Asia in Tokyo on December 19-20, marking a new chapter in relations between Japan and the region.

The summit is expected to bring together the heads of state of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to exchange views on promoting sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

A dedicated business forum will also be held alongside the high-level talks.

Kazakhstan’s presidential press service has confirmed that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will attend the summit, while official confirmations from the other Central Asian countries are still pending.

Japan’s Foreign Ministry reports that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will chair the meeting. The summit is seen as an opportunity for Japan and the Central Asian nations to reaffirm their longstanding partnership and explore new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. In addition to the multilateral session, Takaichi is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Central Asian leaders to discuss bilateral ties and key international issues.

The “Central Asia + Japan” Business Forum, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, will focus on expanding economic cooperation and business contacts.

Japan and the Central Asian countries have maintained dialogue within the “Central Asia-Japan” framework for more than two decades, primarily at the ministerial level. This upcoming meeting will be the first summit involving the heads of state, underscoring Tokyo’s growing engagement with the region. Media reports note that Japan views the summit as a chance to enhance cooperation and strengthen economic security.

The summit was initially planned to take place in Kazakhstan in August 2024 but was postponed after the Japanese delegation canceled its visit due to the threat of a powerful earthquake in Japan.

The C5+1 format brings together the five Central Asian states and one external partner to address a broad range of issues, including trade, investment, security, and regional development.