Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first
official visit to Japan began with a meeting with Emperor Naruhito. The Head of
State highlighted that Japan has long inspired the people of Kazakhstan with
its discipline and resilience. He also noted the long-standing friendly
relations between the two countries, built on mutual respect and fruitful
cooperation. Emperor Naruhito expressed confidence that Tokayev’s visit will
elevate bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level.
The Kazakh President’s visit continued with a tour of Tokyo’s largest Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji, whose reforms transformed Japan into one of the world’s most developed countries. Following the ceremonial events, Tokayev met with Kazakh citizens working in Japan, emphasizing the importance of learning from the experience of such an advanced nation.
«The Japanese side is also attaching great importance to this visit. Today, I will meet with the Prime Minister. Undoubtedly, our cooperation holds significant potential,» Tokayev said.
The visit agenda continued with a meeting with members
of the Japan–Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship League. The President
emphasized that the league is an important mechanism for strengthening
bilateral cooperation. Today, Kazakhstan is placing special focus on expanding
comprehensive engagement with Tokyo. The upcoming Central Asia–Japan Summit,
scheduled for the day after tomorrow, will further advance political dialogue,
as well as trade, economic, and humanitarian ties.
The Head of State also held talks with Japan’s Prime
Minister Sanae Takaichi. The negotiations were preceded by an official
welcoming ceremony, featuring a guard of honor and the national anthems of both
countries. Tokayev emphasized that the visit marks a truly important milestone
in Kazakhstan-Japan relations, describing Japan as a time-tested and reliable
partner in Asia. He noted that Kazakhstan and Japan initiated the Central Asia
plus Japan format back in 2004. For her part, Takaichi highlighted that Astana
is a strategic partner for Tokyo, with whom Japan intends to maintain close
cooperation. Following the talks, the sides signed a Joint Statement along with
14 intergovernmental and interagency documents.
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