Kyrgyzstan and Japan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship following President Sadyr Japarov’s official visit to Japan from December 18 to 20, which concluded with the signing of multiple agreements focused on economic growth, green technology, and sustainable development.
The visit underscored both countries’ commitment to expanding cooperation across key sectors, including renewable energy, digital innovation, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development. President Japarov also participated in the First Central Asia–Japan Dialogue Summit and held high-level talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking a new phase in Kyrgyz-Japanese relations.
Strategic Dialogue and High-Level Engagements
During the visit, President Japarov met with Emperor Naruhito, where discussions centered on strengthening long-standing friendly relations, enhancing cultural exchange, and deepening mutual understanding between the two nations.
A central highlight of the trip was Japarov’s participation in the inaugural Central Asia–Japan Dialogue Summit in Tokyo. In his address, the Kyrgyz leader outlined three strategic priorities for future cooperation:
- Sustainable and green development,
- Improved communications and connectivity, and
- Human capital development.
These pillars, he noted, align with Kyrgyzstan’s long-term development goals and Japan’s expertise in innovation, environmental technologies, and capacity building.
Business Forum and Bilateral Agreements
President Japarov also attended the announcement ceremony for newly signed bilateral documents following the Central Asia + Japan Business Forum, which brought together nearly 300 business leaders from Central Asia and Japan. Participants represented a wide range of industries, including energy, logistics, information technology, finance, healthcare, education, and advanced technologies.
Key agreements and memoranda signed during the forum included:
- Cooperation on small hydropower projects, notably the Chon-Kemin Hydropower Plant under a previously signed investment agreement from August 2024;
- Memoranda covering healthcare modernization, digital and IT initiatives, and human resource development;
- Joint efforts on sustainable urban development, including the ambitious “Asman” eco-city project and the Ala-Too Resort ski development;
- Expansion of educational cooperation, particularly increasing JDS scholarship quotas for Kyrgyz students in IT and engineering disciplines;
- Several agreements with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) focused on socio-economic development, infrastructure upgrades, and green energy initiatives.
Talks with Prime Minister Takaichi
In separate bilateral talks, President Japarov and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed ways to enhance trade and investment flows, strengthen cooperation in renewable energy, improve transport and logistics networks, expand tourism, and deepen collaboration in the IT sector.
Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the importance of the signed agreements, including a double taxation avoidance treaty, and reaffirmed Japan’s readiness to support Kyrgyzstan through JICA-backed projects. She highlighted Japan’s commitment to building a long-term partnership based on transparency, legal certainty, and sustainable development principles.
Looking Ahead: Sustainability and Regional Connectivity
President Japarov reiterated Kyrgyzstan’s dedication to sustainable energy development, climate adaptation, and regional integration. He invited Japanese partners to actively participate in upcoming initiatives, including the Second Global Mountain Summit scheduled to be held in Bishkek, as well as ongoing programs aimed at strengthening human capital and innovation capacity.