Central Asia plus Japan

The Central Asia plus Japan dialogue is a political initiative between Japan and the Central Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with the goal to create “a new framework for cooperation, thereby elevating relations between Japan and Central Asia to a new level”. [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/joint0408.pdf Joint Statement "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue/Foreign Ministers' Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan] The dialogue, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, is also meant to serve as a forum to promote inter-regional cooperation. [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/press0408.html Press Release: "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue/Foreign Ministers Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan] Turkmenistan, maintaining its policy of neutrality, participates only as an observer.

Participating Members

*flagcountry|Japan
*flagcountry|Kazakhstan
*flagcountry|Kyrgyzstan
*flagcountry|Tajikistan
*flagcountry|Uzbekistan
*flagcountry|Turkmenistan "(Observer)"

Initial declaration

The dialogue was formally declared on August 28, 2004 in Astana, Kazakhstan at a meeting of foreign ministers from the four participating Central Asian governments and Japan. A joint statement was issued which outlined the parties' views on four areas: fundamental principles and values, expansion of Japanese-Central Asian relations, intra-regional cooperation within Central Asia, and cooperation in the international arena. The statement also declared the dialogue's main objectives:

*The strengthening of peace, stability, and democracy in the Central Asian region
*The strengthening of the region’s economic foundations, the promotion of reform and the social development of the region, including the correction of intra-regional disparities
*The strengthening of intra-regional cooperation by the Central Asian countries
*The maintenance and development of good relations between Central Asia and neighboring regions as well as with the international community
*Cooperation between Japan and Central Asia with respect to both regional issues and issues having international dimensions.

The joint statement also outlined several areas of potential Japanese-Central Asian cooperation.

ubsequent meetings

On March 4, 2005 the five countries met again in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where "the participants reconfirmed the significance of the 'Central Asia plus Japan' Dialogue," and to "promote concrete cooperation... utilizing the framework of the Dialogue". [http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2005/3/0304-2.html "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue/Senior Officials Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan] On June 5, 2006 a meeting was held in Toyko. There, the five countries agreed to continue to hold further meetings of Foreign Ministers in the future. They also discussed advancements in Japanese-Central Asian exchanges, and the challenges facing inter-regional cooperation, with Japan pledging further support in many areas. The Afghan foreign minister attended the meeting as a "guest". [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/action0606.html "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue - Action Plan] Foreign Ministry of Japan]

Additionally, two "Intellectual Dialogues" have been held in Toyko with the aim of expanding intellectual exchanges between the two regions. [http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/event/2007/1/0124-3.html Second "Central Asia plus Japan" Intellectual Dialogue] Foreign Ministry of Japan]

Motivation and significance

Japan's efforts in creating the "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue is part of its "Silk Road diplomacy", a term used for Japan's current Central Asia policy. This policy has two distinct goals: to further enhance bilateral relationships in the region, and to promote regional dialogue. The "Central Asia plus Japan" initiative is an attempt to encourage the latter. Former Foreign Minister Taro Aso gave four reasons for Japan's renewed interest in Central Asia [http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/speech0606.html Central Asia as a Corridor of Peace and Stability] Foreign Ministry of Japan] :

*Given the growing regional influence of Islamic fundamentalism, Japan wants to help Central Asia not be a "weak link in the chain" of international order
*Central Asia's significant amounts of natural resources are too important to be ignored
*Japan's post-war experiences can serve as a guide for the newly-independent states
*Japan has an important and growing influence in Central Asia

Aso also said, "Japan at this juncture can become a supporter that enhances momentum towards open regional cooperation... Japan hopes for a situation in which it can propose certain areas in which it is willing to cooperate; the Central Asian countries would then take that as an opportunity to enhance the ties and cooperation among themselves."

Analysts have said that Japanese efforts in the realm of regional integration and cooperation, especially with regard to Afghanistan, is helpful and compliments the efforts of other groups such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). It has also been suggested that the "Central Asia plus Japan" dialogue, along with the development of bilateral relations between Japan and the Central Asian countries, will help provide the region with an alternative to the growing influence of the SCO. [http://www.pinr.com/report.php?ac=view_report&report_id=442&language_id=1 The Growing Importance of Japan's Engagement in Central Asia] Power and Interest News Report] [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/HG28Dh01.html Japan joins the energy race] Asia Times Online]

ee also

*Foreign relations of Japan
*Geostrategy in Central Asia
*Post-Soviet Regional Organizations

References