Tokyo : Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a keynote address at the inaugural “Central Asia Plus Japan” Summit in Tokyo, praising Japan for its long-standing partnership with Central Asia and highlighting opportunities for deeper cooperation across multiple sectors.
Mirziyoyev recalled that Japan had initiated the first Central Asia dialogue over 20 years ago, noting that the summit marks a historic step in strengthening strategic, economic, and cultural ties. He emphasized the historical connections between Central Asia and Japan, tracing back to the Silk Road, and stressed shared cultural values, traditions, and family-oriented norms as a foundation for cooperation.
Acknowledging Japan’s contributions to Central Asia’s socio-economic development, Mirziyoyev underscored the region’s growing economies, rich natural resources, and strategic location at the crossroads of global transport and trade routes. He expressed interest in expanding Japan’s engagement while offering investment and partnership opportunities in return.
During his address, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation between Central Asia and Japan. He proposed holding biennial summits at the heads-of-state level to maintain momentum in the partnership, alongside the creation of a Permanent Justice and Law Mechanism, which would include regular meetings of justice ministers to strengthen legal collaboration in the region.
Mirziyoyev called for the development of a long-term Central Asia–Japan Cooperation Strategy 2040, designed to support sustainable development and promote the region’s integration into global economic processes.
He also emphasized the importance of industrial and investment cooperation, suggesting the establishment of an Infrastructure and Industry Development Fund and a regional network of Japanese technoparks to attract investment and facilitate technology transfer.
Digital innovation featured prominently in the President’s proposals. He advocated for the creation of a Central Asia–Japan Digital Hub to advance initiatives in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, cybersecurity, and industrial automation, positioning the region at the forefront of technological development.
In the transport and logistics sector, Mirziyoyev stressed collaboration on high-speed railways, highways, digital transport corridors, airports, and logistics centers, while highlighting Japan’s expertise in building modern, efficient infrastructure.
Energy transition and green development were also key priorities. The President proposed joint projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and carbon capture, along with the establishment of a regional training center in Tashkent to support the growth of green technologies. Complementing these efforts, he called for a regional Green Agenda program to tackle climate change, improve air quality, and restore the Aral Sea.
Seismic safety initiatives were another area of focus, with plans to conduct regional risk assessments, enhance urban resilience, and train engineers and emergency personnel according to Japanese standards.
Finally, Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of education, youth, and cultural exchanges. He proposed hosting regional meetings of education ministers and university rectors, expanding academic collaboration, and creating networks to develop the creative, technological, and professional potential of young people across Central Asia.
Mirziyoyev also highlighted Central Asia’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s stability and development, noting Japan’s role as a consistent donor and partner in regional initiatives.
Concluding his remarks, the Uzbek President expressed full support for the summit’s agenda, emphasizing that the proposed initiatives would strengthen practical cooperation, unlock the region’s potential, and benefit the peoples of Central Asia and Japan.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
