Astana: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will embark on a three-day visit to Japan on Dec. 18, the country's presidential press service announced on Monday. As part of the visit, Tokayev is scheduled to meet with Emperor Naruhito, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, and representatives of the Japanese business community, according to a statement by the Presidential Palace, Akorda, on Telegram. The statement also mentioned that the Kazakh president will "participate in the work of the Central Asia-Japan summit."

According to Anadolu Agency, Japan's government has been making arrangements to host the inaugural summit involving all five Central Asian nations-Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These countries have been engaged in ministerial-level talks with Japan for more than 20 years. The summit was initially scheduled to be held in Kazakhstan in August 2024 but was postponed following a megaquake advisory issued in Japan.

The report noted that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to deepen ties with the Central Asian region. The summit is expected to bolster economic security and promote cooperation in multiple areas between Japan and the Central Asian nations.