Kazakh president arrives in Tokyo ahead of inaugural Central Asia-Japan summit

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) - Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived Wednesday in the Japanese capital ahead of an inaugural summit between Japan and Central Asian nations later this week, according to a statement by the Kazakh presidential media service Akorda on Telegram.​​​​​​​

Tokayev arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda International Airport, where he was greeted by Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu.

“​​Tomorrow, the Head of State will hold talks with Emperor Naruhito and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi,” it noted.

Tokayev’s arrival comes days before the inaugural Central Asia-Japan summit, which the East Asian nation said will take place Friday.

The two-day summit, hosted by Takaichi, aims to expand trade and investment, with both sides expected to exchange views on promoting autonomous and sustainable development in the region, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said earlier Wednesday.

Apart from Tokayev, the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are also expected to attend the summit, where they will also discuss international affairs and strengthening bilateral ties.

The summit was originally scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan in August 2024 but was postponed following a mega earthquake advisory issued in Japan.