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The '''Central Asia plus Japan''' dialogue is a political initiative between [[Japan]] and the [[Central Asia]]n 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”.<ref name=DEC>[http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/joint0408.pdf Joint Statement "Central Asia + Japan" Dialogue/Foreign Ministers' Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan</ref> The dialogue, according to the [[Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Japan)|Japanese Foreign Ministry]], is also meant to serve as a forum to promote inter-regional cooperation.<ref name=PRESS1>[http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/press0408.html Press Release: "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue/Foreign Ministers Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan</ref> [[Turkmenistan]], maintaining its [[Neutral country|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:<ref name=DEC/>

*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.

==Subsequent 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".<ref name=TASH>[http://www.mofa.go.jp/announce/announce/2005/3/0304-2.html "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue/Senior Officials Meeting] Foreign Ministry of Japan</ref> On June 5, 2006 a meeting was held in [[Tokyo]]. 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".<ref name=TOYKO>[http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/dialogue/action0606.html "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue - Action Plan] Foreign Ministry of Japan</ref>

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

The 4th meeting took place on November 10, 2012 in Tokyo. Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Erlan Abdyldaev, Foreign Minister of Japan Koichiro Gemba, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Idrisov, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Hamrohon Zarifi, Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov attended the event. During this meeting, the Government of Japan pledged US $700 million for the projects which will facilitate regional cooperation.<ref>{{cite news|title=Japan to Provide $ 700 Million to Central Asia|url=http://www.satrapia.com/news/article/japan-to-provide-700-million-to-central-asia/|newspaper=The Gazette of Central Asia|date=13 November 2012|publisher=Satrapia}}</ref>

==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.<ref name=DEC/> 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:<ref name=ASO>[http://www.mofa.go.jp/region/europe/speech0606.html Central Asia as a Corridor of Peace and Stability] Foreign Ministry of Japan</ref>

*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."<ref name=ASO/>

Analysts have said that Japanese efforts in the realm of regional integration and cooperation, especially with regard to Afghanistan, is helpful and complements 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.<ref name=ASIA>[http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Japan/HG28Dh01.html Japan joins the energy race] Asia Times Online</ref>

==See also==
*[[Foreign relations of Japan]]
*[[Geostrategy in Central Asia]]
*[[Post-Soviet#Regional_organizations|Post-Soviet Regional Organizations]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{CARO}}

[[Category:Central Asia]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Japan]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Kyrgyzstan]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Tajikistan]]
[[Category:Foreign relations of Uzbekistan]]
[[Category:Kyrgyzstan–Tajikistan relations]]
[[Category:Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan relations]]
[[Category:Tajikistan–Uzbekistan relations]]
[[Category:Kazakhstan–Kyrgyzstan relations]]
[[Category:Kazakhstan–Uzbekistan relations]]
[[Category:Japan–Kazakhstan relations]]

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