The inaugural first leaders-level summit of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue (CA+JAD) concluded in Tokyo today (20 Dec 2025) with the adoption of the Tokyo Declaration, a comprehensive roadmap that elevates ties between Japan and the five Central Asian republics to a deeper, more multifaceted strategic partnership.
Japan’s Key Commitments
Tokyo pledged to drive 3 trillion yen (approximately $20 billion) in business projects across Central Asia over the next five years, supported through Official Development Assistance (ODA), export credit agencies, and multilateral development banks.
At the heart of the declaration is the newly launched “CA+JAD Tokyo Initiative”, based on three priority pillars of cooperation.
1. Green and Resilience
- Energy transition toward net-zero/carbon neutrality
- Climate change mitigation and environmental cooperation
- Critical minerals supply chain development
- Disaster risk reduction, particularly earthquake preparedness
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for greenhouse gas reduction
2. Connectivity
- Enhanced logistics and transportation, including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route
- Direct flights between Japan and Central Asia
- Tourism and cultural exchange development
- Digital connectivity and AI cooperation partnership
- Customs training collaboration with World Customs Organization
3. Human Resource Development
- Expansion of scholarship and training programs
- Support for small and medium enterprises
- Universal health coverage (UHC) promotion
- “One Village, One Product” (OVOP) movement supporting women’s empowerment
- Business environment improvements for foreign investment
Regional and Global Issues
The declaration addresses sensitive regional concerns, expressing support for:
– The stabilization of Afghanistan,
– The March 2025 Kyrgyz-Tajik border delimitation agreement,
– Complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and resolution of humanitarian issues, including the abductions of Japanese citizens.
On the global stage, the leaders called for UN Security Council reform, strengthened nuclear non-proliferation under the NPT regime, upholding the rule of law, economic security through resilient supply chains, and enhanced food, energy, and logistics security.
Next Steps
The second summit will be hosted by Kazakhstan, following an agreed rotation in English alphabetical order. A Japan-hosted meeting of justice ministers in the CA+JAD format is planned for the near future, along with a forthcoming ministerial dialogue on environmental issues.
Tokyo Declaration of the Summit of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue
/// nCa, 20 December 2025