President of Uzbekistan Proposes New Initiatives to Advance Central Asia–Japan Cooperation

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 20 December in Tokyo, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the first summit of the “Central Asia + Japan” Dialogue.

The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. The summit was also attended by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

In line with the approved agenda, the participants discussed prospects for expanding mutually beneficial cooperation between the Central Asian states and Japan in key areas such as the green economy and sustainable development, strengthening connectivity and regional interaction, and the development of human capital.

In his address, the President of Uzbekistan recalled that more than twenty years ago Japan had been the initiator of the “Central Asia Plus” dialogue format. He emphasized that a solid foundation for the development of multifaceted partnership is provided by deep historical ties dating back to the era of the Great Silk Road, as well as similarities in traditions and shared spiritual, cultural, and family values.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the countries of Central Asia highly value Japan’s consistent support, noting that since the region’s independence Japan has remained a reliable partner and has made a significant contribution to socio-economic development, infrastructure modernization, the industrial and energy base, as well as to strengthening scientific, educational, and human resources potential. According to him, the countries of the region are interested in further expanding and deepening Japan’s presence in Central Asia.

It was noted that the region’s rich natural resources, its advantageous geographic location at the crossroads of global transport, trade, and energy routes, dynamic economic growth, and active integration processes create favorable conditions for deepening cooperation with Japan. The President of Uzbekistan expressed confidence that through joint efforts the partners could achieve new results, recalling a Japanese proverb about the strength of united efforts.

Turning to practical issues on the agenda, Shavkat Mirziyoyev outlined his vision for the further development of the “Central Asia + Japan” format. He proposed holding summits at the level of heads of state once every two years and expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to host one of such meetings. He also supported the Japanese initiative to establish a permanent cooperation mechanism in the field of justice and law, as well as to hold the first meeting of justice ministers in Tokyo next year.

The President advocated the development of a long-term “Central Asia–Japan 2040” Cooperation Strategy, which should include concrete programs and projects aimed at sustainable development of the region’s countries and their deeper integration into global economic processes. He also stressed the relevance of establishing an Expert Forum with the participation of leading analytical centers to generate new ideas and proposals, suggesting that its first meeting be held in Tashkent.

Special attention was given to expanding support from Japanese financial institutions for trade, economic, and investment projects in Central Asia. The head of state expressed confidence that combining the region’s natural and human potential with Japan’s industrial and technological capabilities would yield a significant synergistic effect.

In this context, he proposed establishing an Investment Fund for the Development of Infrastructure and Industry in Central Asia, launching a “quality infrastructure” program on its basis, and creating a Central Asian network of Japanese technoparks as a regional platform for industrial cooperation, localization, and technology transfer.

Taking into account the growing role of digital transformation in ensuring economic growth and resilience, the President of Uzbekistan put forward an initiative to create a “Central Asia–Japan” digital hub as a multilateral platform for cooperation in digital solutions, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and the innovation economy. He also expressed interest in attracting Japanese investment and technology to projects aimed at developing high-speed railways and highways, digitalizing transport corridors, and building airports and logistics centers.

In the field of green energy, the importance of implementing joint projects on the introduction of cogeneration technologies, reducing losses, and capturing and utilizing carbon dioxide was emphasized. The head of state proposed establishing a Regional Training Center for Renewable Energy Specialists in Tashkent. On the environmental agenda, he called for launching a joint program to improve air quality in Central Asia, adopting an action plan to combat climate change, and introducing a new format of meetings of heads of environmental agencies within the Dialogue framework.

Given Japan’s extensive experience in seismic safety, the President of Uzbekistan proposed implementing a joint program to assess and enhance seismic resilience in the region, as well as opening a Regional Advanced Training Center in Tashkent to train engineers, architects, and emergency services according to Japanese standards.

To expand cultural and humanitarian cooperation, it was proposed to hold the first meeting of education ministers in the “Central Asia + Japan” format in Uzbekistan next year, organize a forum of rectors of leading universities, and adopt a regional network program for youth development aimed at building long-term ties among youth communities.

Addressing the international agenda and regional security issues, Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the unity of positions between the Central Asian countries and Japan in their aspiration to see Afghanistan peaceful, stable, and focused on constructive development. He highly praised Japan’s consistent stance, noting that for many years it has remained one of the key donors and partners in supporting the Afghan people.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan expressed support for all decisions adopted following the discussions. Leaders of other participating countries also delivered statements at the summit. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration.