Japan and Central Asian countries agree on a supply route linking the region to Europe

Yesterday, Japan and five Central Asian countries agreed to develop a transportation route linking the region to Europe without passing through Russia, with the aim of ensuring stable supplies of minerals and vital energy.

In Tokyo, Japan hosted its first ever summit with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, at a time when Russia and China seek to expand their trade and economic influence in the resource-rich region, according to the Japanese Kyodo News Agency.

In an effort to strengthen economic relations, Japan and the five countries adopted the “Tokyo Declaration,” which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, facilitating logistics services, and cooperating in developing human resources.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaishi said at the beginning of the meeting: “The international situation has changed radically, and the importance of the region is increasing as a trade route linking Asia and Europe.”

The “Caspian Sea Route” aims to provide stable supplies of important minerals, including rare earths, in addition to energy sources such as oil and natural gas.

The summit was originally scheduled to be held in August 2024 in Kazakhstan, but was postponed after then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida canceled his trip amid a warning of a greater-than-usual possibility of a devastating earthquake in large areas of Japan.

Takaishi told reporters after the meeting that Japan plans to launch new business projects with a total value of 3 trillion yen ($19 billion) in Central Asia over five years, and that the countries also agreed to cooperate in the field of artificial intelligence.

She added: “Central Asia has enormous potential in terms of geopolitical importance, economic security, and mutually beneficial business opportunities. I am pleased to sign more than 150 documents from the public and private sectors on this occasion.”

Since launching the dialogue framework with the five former Soviet republics in 2004, ahead of China, Russia and the United States, Japan has held 10 foreign minister-level meetings.

. Japan and the five countries adopted the “Tokyo Declaration,” which focuses on reducing carbon emissions, facilitating logistics services, and cooperating in developing human resources.