Japanese Prime Minister to Strengthen Ties with Central Asia During August Visit

According to sources cited by The Japan Times, the Japanese government intends to strengthen economic ties with Kazakhstan and other Central Asian nations, where China and Russia currently exert significant influence. Japan hopes to counter this influence by offering economic assistance to the region.

During a six-nation summit in Kazakhstan, Kishida is expected to announce an economic support package through a joint statement. This package will focus on establishing a new trade route, supporting economic decarbonization by reducing coal dependency, and promoting cultural and interpersonal exchanges.

“The Japan Times” reports that Japan plans to help create a trade route across the Caspian Sea, linking Central Asia to Europe without passing through Russia. This initiative aims to provide the region with a stable export route, fostering economic independence.

Japanese companies will also assist Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries in reducing their reliance on coal by providing technology and loans for the development and processing of natural gas. In return, these Central Asian countries are expected to send skilled labor to Japan.

Kishida’s visit to Kazakhstan was announced in June, with reports indicating that the Japanese Prime Minister seeks to use this visit to mitigate China’s and Russia’s influence in the region.