On 25 March 2026, in Tokyo, a meeting was held between the Ambassador of Turkmenistan, Atadurdy Bayramov, and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kunimitsu Ayano. During the talks, the two sides discussed the current state and prospects of partnership between the two countries. Particular attention at the meeting was given to upcoming high-level contacts. Ambassador … [Read more...]
Japan Hosts Central Asian and Caucasian Diplomats for Social Media and Digital Diplomacy Program
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan hosted eight young and mid-career diplomats from Central Asia and the Caucasus for a week-long study program focused on responsible social media use in diplomacy, the ministry said in a recent press release. The invitation program, held from 15 to 22 February 2026 under the theme “Social Media Usage Techniques and Ethics for … [Read more...]
Japan Hosts 14th “Central Asia Plus Japan” Tokyo Dialogue on Cultural Preservation and Development
On 5 March 2026, Japan convened the 14th Tokyo Dialogue under the “Central Asia plus Japan” framework, bringing together cultural practitioners and experts from Japan and five Central Asian countries to discuss how traditional culture can be preserved while contributing to industrial development and international engagement. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of … [Read more...]
Central Asian Delegates Explored Japan’s AI Ecosystem
Japan and Central Asian nations are advancing their collaboration on artificial intelligence through a recent invitation program marking a key step in operationalizing a new bilateral partnership. Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted AI policy officials from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for the "Central Asia plus Japan" … [Read more...]
UNDP Regional Initiative Funded by Japan Advances Urban Resilience Efforts in Ashgabat
Ashgabat, 23 February 2026: Within the framework of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) regional initiative “Enhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asia,” funded by the Government of Japan, the first meeting of the Technical Group was held in Ashgabat on 20 February 2026. The meeting brought together leading experts from … [Read more...]
Ambassador of Japan Hosts Reception in Ashgabat to Celebrate the Birthday of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito
On 13 February 2026, the Birthday of the Emperor of Japan was celebrated in Ashgabat. A solemn reception to mark this significant date was hosted by the Ambassador of Japan to Turkmenistan, Hiroshi Sasaki. The celebration brought together representatives of diplomatic circles, public figures, members of the creative community, and the business sector. The guest of honor … [Read more...]
Japan’s Flourishing Ties with Central Asia: A Symphony of Tradition, Vision, and Resolve
Tariq Saeedi In Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 13 February 2026, the Embassy of Japan will host a reception to celebrate Emperor Naruhito's birthday. This early gathering – the official date falls later on February 23 – isn't just a diplomatic nicety; it's a vibrant nod to the enduring institution of Japan's monarchy, which weaves seamlessly into the fabric of the nation's … [Read more...]
Central Asia 2026: From Great-Power Prize to Geostrategic Platform
Hao Nan Editor’s note: This is the truncated version of an analysis by Hao Nan. It was originally published by the think tank Valdai Club. The complete text of the analysis is available at this link --- https://valdaiclub.com/a/highlights/central-asia-2026-from-great-power-prize/ --- Ed. In 2025, Central Asia began to look less like a blank space on someone else’s … [Read more...]
Initiatives of the President of Turkmenistan at the Tokyo Summit: From “Green Diplomacy” to Youth Exchanges
The address by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the historic first "Central Asia + Japan" leaders' summit was dedicated to strengthening the multifaceted partnership between the regions. The President emphasized that this meeting in Tokyo, chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, was a milestone event laying the foundation for long-term relations … [Read more...]
Japan-Turkmenistan Summit meeting: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and PM Sanae Takaichi discussed multifaceted bilateral cooperation
On the sidelines of the inaugural leaders-level Summit of the “Central Asia plus Japan” Dialogue, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a bilateral summit meeting in Tokyo, reaffirming their commitment to expand multifaceted cooperation across economic, political, cultural, and humanitarian spheres. Here is a Joint Press … [Read more...]
Tokyo Declaration: Japan and Central Asia Usher in a New Era of Strategic Partnership (summary+full text)
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 … [Read more...]
Historic First Leaders’ Summit Strengthens Japan-Central Asia Ties – Japan announces CA+JAD Tokyo Initiative aimed at industrial advancement in Central Asia
Japan hosted the inaugural leaders-level Summit of the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) on December 20 in Tokyo, marking a significant elevation of a six-lateral platform launched in 2004 to promote regional cooperation and development. The meeting was chaired by Japanese Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi. Attendees included: Prime Minister … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan Strengthen Economic Ties with Major Bilateral Agreements
During Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov's working visit to Japan to attend the inaugural "Central Asia + Japan" summit, he held talks with executives from leading Japanese business circles. The meetings resulted in the signing of a substantial package of documents aimed at deepening cooperation in key sectors such as the economy, transport, digital technologies, … [Read more...]
Focus on Green Tech: Turkmenistan Proposes Water Treatment and Waste Management Projects to Japan
Turkmenistan is inviting Japanese businesses to partner on a series of major initiatives in water conservation, wastewater treatment, and waste management. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov detailed these proposals during a high-level meeting with executives from leading Japanese corporations on 19 December in Tokyo. The President called on Japanese firms to consider several … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan’s President Holds Key Meetings During Visit to Japan
On 19 December 2025, during his working visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a series of high-level meetings with: The discussions primarily focused on strengthening economic, inter-parliamentary, and humanitarian cooperation between the two nations. Emperor Naruhito congratulated President Berdimuhamedov on the successful hosting of the … [Read more...]
Official Visit of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Japan (December 18-20, 2025)
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan arrived in Tokyo on December 18, 2025, for a three-day official visit, coinciding with the inaugural heads-of-state level "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue (CA+JAD) summit scheduled for December 19-20. This visit marks Tokayev's first official trip to Japan as president and aims to elevate bilateral ties to a "future-oriented … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan President Arrives in Japan for Central Asia-Japan Summit
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for a working visit to Japan on December 17 to attend the inaugural Central Asia + Japan Dialogue summit at the leaders' level, according to state media reports from Turkmenistan and Japan. The landmark summit, scheduled for 19-20 December in Tokyo, will be chaired by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan's … [Read more...]
CIET 2025: GTG-1 – World’s First Commercial Gas-to-Gasoline Plant Strengthens Turkmenistan’s Chemical Industry
Tomohiro Takashina, Director of the Turkmenistan Representative Office of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., highlighted the company’s 20-year partnership with Turkmenistan at the International Conference “Development of Construction, Industrial, Chemical and Energy Sectors of Turkmenistan” (CIET 2025), focusing on the flagship GTG-1 gas-to-gasoline plant. The facility has become … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Holds Meeting with Head of «Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.» in Balkan province
On 2 November 2025, during a working trip to the Balkan province, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Eisaku Ito, the Chief Executive Officer of the Japanese company «Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.». As is known, «Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.», in consortium with the Turkish «Gap İnşaat», acts as the general contractor for the construction of a … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets Head of Toyo Engineering Corporation
On 28 September 2025, during the festive horse races celebrating the 34th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Eiji Hosoi, President, CEO, and Representative Director of Japan’s Toyo Engineering Corporation. In the discussion, President Berdimuhamedov highlighted the strong development of Turkmenistan-Japan relations … [Read more...]
TIF 2025: Mizuho Bank Strengthens Partnership with Turkmenistan
At the Turkmenistan Investment Forum held on September 18–19 in Awaza, Kenichiro Yamamoto, Head of the Project Finance Department at Mizuho Bank, reaffirmed the Japanese financial giant’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Turkmenistan. In his remarks, Yamamoto highlighted the two countries’ long-standing economic partnership and outlined Mizuho’s role in supporting … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan and the head of JBIC discussed the expansion of partnership
On 5 September 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Kazuhiko Amakawa, Deputy President of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). During the talks, the parties discussed prospects for further deepening economic cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan. Kazuhiko Amakawa highly appreciated Turkmenistan's achievements in … [Read more...]
TOYO and Rönesans Secure First Phase of Major Overhaul for Turkmenistan’s Key Gas Chemical Complex
In a significant boost to Turkmenistan's chemical industry, Toyo Engineering Corporation (TOYO) has teamed up with Rönesans Endüstri Tesisleri (RET), a subsidiary of the Türkiye-based Rönesans Holding, to win the contract for the first phase of a major overhaul project at a large-scale gas chemical complex. The award comes from the State Concern “Turkmenhimiya” (TH), the … [Read more...]
JLPT Japanese Language Exam to Be Held in Ashgabat
On 7 December 2025, Ashgabat will host the second Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) of the year. The JLPT is the largest international exam for assessing Japanese language proficiency for non-native speakers, conducted annually in Japan and worldwide. Exam Registration Registration for the exam will be open from 25 August to 1 September 2025, at the Embassy of … [Read more...]
Tokyo hosts children’s drawing competition dedicated to “2025 – International Year of Peace and Trust”
On July 29, 2025, a children's drawing competition was held in Tokyo, organized jointly by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan and the Japanese Children's Council “Fujisan Chidama”. The event was attended by children and leaders of the Council “Fujisan Chidama”. During the event, participants were familiarized with the presentations on the domestic and foreign policies … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Receives Chairman of Toyo Engineering Corporation
On 29 June 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Haruo Nagamatsu, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Toyo Engineering Corporation. The meeting began with Mr. Nagamatsu extending his heartfelt congratulations to President Berdimuhamedov on the second anniversary of the founding of Arkadag city. President Berdimuhamedov expressed his gratitude for the kind … [Read more...]
Arkadag Berdimuhamedov met with Head of Kawasaki Heavy Industries
On 28 June 2025, the National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with Mr. Kenji Sanada, Executive Director of the Japanese company Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. During the meeting, Mr. Sanada conveyed greetings from Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, along with … [Read more...]
Mutual Interest and a Favorable Business Climate: President of Turkmenistan Receives Executive Vice President of ITOCHU Corporation
On 27 June 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Mr. Hiroyuki Tsubai — Member of the Board of Directors and Executive Vice President of ITOCHU Corporation, President of a major machinery enterprise, and Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation. Mr. Tsubai emphasized the strong interest of Japan’s business community in the … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan Meets Executive Director of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
On 27 June 2025, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Mr. Kenji Sanada, Executive Director of Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., who arrived in Ashgabat on a visit. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet, Mr. Sanada highlighted Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ appreciation for the favorable business climate in Turkmenistan and commended the … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan Enhance Ashgabat’s Seismic Safety
An international conference titled "The Role of Peace and Trust in Disaster Risk Reduction Systems" recently took place at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat, as reported by the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper. The forum served to summarize the achievements of the "Improving the System of Seismological Observations in and Around the City of Ashgabat" project, … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan seal the economic partnership with 15 documents – Japanese investments in the economy of Turkmenistan exceeds US $ 11 billion
On April 15, the final day of his official visit to Japan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held high-level meetings with Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and prominent representatives of Japan’s business, scientific, and academic communities. During discussions with the Japanese business community and on the sidelines of the visit, 15 cooperation documents … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan opens a series of National Days at the EXPO 2025 in Japan
On 14 April 2025, during his visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in celebrations in honor of the National Day of Turkmenistan at the World EXPO-2025 in Osaka. The World EXPO 2025 in Osaka: a window into the society of the future The World EXPO 2025 is taking place in Osaka, Japan, from 13 April to 13 October 2025. A defining feature … [Read more...]
Strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation: The President of Turkmenistan met with the Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Friendship Group
On 14 April 2025, as part of his official visit to Japan, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting with Chairman of the Japan-Turkmenistan Interparliamentary Friendship Group Endo Toshiaki. At the beginning of the conversation, Endo Toshiaki conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the Japanese side to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan is on a visit to Japan
On 13 April 2025, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan commenced a visit to Japan on 13 April 2025, as reported by TDH. Turkmenistan attaches great importance to expanding cooperation with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, including Japan. The bilateral relationship, characterized by equality, mutual respect, and trust, is founded on long-term strategic … [Read more...]
President of Turkmenistan to Visit Japan
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, will pay a visit to Japan as official guest of the Government of Japan for participation to National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan from April 13 to 15, foreign ministry of Japan reports. During his stay in Japan, the President Berdimuhamedov will make a State Call on His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. Mr. … [Read more...]
Japan expresses readiness for further cooperation with Turkmenistan in preparation for the Central Asian summit
The recent visit of Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima to Turkmenistan has become an important stage in the development of bilateral relations and strengthening cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue. In a letter addressed to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Akihisa Nagashima … [Read more...]
Group of Ambassadors based in Turkmenistan goes trekking along the Health Walk
The morning of Sunday, 23 February 2025, was rather cold in Ashgabat -- parting shot of the winter. A group of ten ambassadors from the diplomatic corps based in Ashgabat decided to defy the near-freezing conditions and went trekking along the Health Walk. They were accompanied by some other diplomats and some members of their families. Health Walk is a … [Read more...]
A series of negotiations on the future of Turkmen-Japanese relations took place in Tokyo.
On 17-19 February 2025, a Turkmen delegation headed by Chairman of the Board of the State Bank for Foreign Economic Affairs of Turkmenistan Rahimberdi Jepbarov paid a working visit to Tokyo, Japan. Jepbarov met with the Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan, Akihisa Nagashima. During the talks, topical issues of bilateral Turkmen-Japanese trade and economic … [Read more...]
Japan-funded UNDP Online Mentorship Initiative successfully concludes in Turkmenistan
The results of the Online Mentorship program implemented within the framework of the Turkmenistan country component of the UNDP Regional Project "Promoting resilient communities to Prevent violent Extremism in Central Asia" with the financial support of the Government of Japan were summed up in Ashgabat, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reports. The large-scale initiative … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan discuss issues of strategic partnership – visit of the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan
Special Adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan Akihisa Nagashima has arrived in Ashgabat as part of his tour of five Central Asian countries. On 5 February, Nagashima was received by President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, National Leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov. Meeting with the President of … [Read more...]
National Leader of the Turkmen People Met with Representatives of Korean and Japanese Companies
On 31 January 2025, in the city of Arkadag, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, held a meeting with the heads of the South Korean company "Koreya Meditech Co. Ltd" and the Japanese company "Sumitomo". The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care, named after Gurbanguly … [Read more...]
Japanese PM’s Envoy Embarks on Diplomatic Tour of Central Asia
Special Advisor to the Japanese Prime Minister, Mr. Nagashima Akihisa, begins a diplomatic mission to Central Asia as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister. The 11-day tour will cover all five Central Asian nations in an effort to strengthen Japan's ties with the region. The trip, scheduled from 29 January to 8 February, will include visits to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, … [Read more...]
Topical issues of cooperation between Turkmenistan and Japan discussed in Tokyo
Political consultations On 27 January 2025, Turkmen-Japanese political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries took place in Tokyo. The Turkmen side was led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Akhmet Gurbanov, and the Japanese side was led by Masaki Ishikawa, Special Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs … [Read more...]
Turkmen Ambassador Explores Cooperation with Japanese Friendship Exchange Council
On 17 January 2025, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Japan Atadurdy Bayramov met with the Director of the International Friendship Exchange Council Hiroyuki Yushita. During the meeting, the sides discussed the possibilities of establishing cooperation between the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Japan and the International Friendship Exchange Council. In this connection, views … [Read more...]
Turkmen-Japanese Economic Cooperation Deepens in Green Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure
At the Cabinet of Ministers meeting on Saturday (21 December 2024) Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov reported on the outcomes of the 15th joint meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese and Japanese-Turkmen Committees on Economic Cooperation. The committee meetings were held in Ashgabat on 16-17 December 2024. The Japanese delegation … [Read more...]
Seismology: Key Focus of Turkmen-Japanese Scientific Exchange
A scientific and practical conference was held at the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan to mark the successful completion of the "Improving the system of seismological observations in and around the city of Ashgabat" project. This project, a collaborative effort between the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed to … [Read more...]
Turkmenistan and Japan signed New Tax Convention – more details
On 16 December 2024, the Government of Japan and the Government of Turkmenistan signed the “Convention between Japan and Turkmenistan for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Tax Evasion and Avoidance” in Ashgabat. The Japanese Ministry of Finance unveiled some details of this document. The mentioned Convention wholly … [Read more...]
Ashgabat hosted the 15th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation – a set of documents signed
On 16 December 2024, the 15th meeting of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation was held in Ashgabat. The delegation of Japanese business circles was headed by Hiroyuki Tsubai, member of the Board of Directors of Itochu Corporation, Executive Vice President, President of Machinery and Equipment, Chairman of the Committee from the Japanese side. The forum … [Read more...]
The President of Turkmenistan received the Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation
On Monday, 16 December 2024, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Hiroyuki Tsubai, member of the Board of Directors, Executive Vice President of Itochu Corporation, President of “Machinery and Equipment”, Chairman of the Turkmen-Japanese Committee for Economic Cooperation. Turkmenistan highly values its comprehensive relationship with Japan, a significant partner in the … [Read more...]
CAREC Ministers launched the Regional Climate Fund and endorsed Climate Change Action Plan
Member countries of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program have endorsed a new Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) and launched the CAREC Climate and Sustainability Project Preparatory Fund (CSPPF) to strengthen regional collaboration on climate resilience, low-carbon growth, and sustainable development. This endorsement took place at the 23rd CAREC … [Read more...]