On August 25, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu held a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Takeshi Iwaya, who arrived in Astana on his first official visit.
The parties reaffirmed the high level of the expanded strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and Japan.
Minister Nurtleu emphasized the significance of advancing cooperation within the framework of the Central Asia + Japan Dialogue, particularly in the context of preparations for the inaugural summit of this format.
Minister Iwaya noted that Kazakhstan is a key partner of Japan in Central Asia.
Special attention was given to trade and economic cooperation. Kazakhstan expressed its readiness to increase exports, including coal (with mining of over 115 billion tons – among the largest globally), as well as metallurgical, petrochemical, and food products.
The Kazakh Foreign Minister underscored that Japan is among the top ten largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy, with total accumulated direct investments amounting to approximately 9 billion US dollars. Japanese companies are actively participating in projects in the mining and metallurgical industries, as well as in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Bilateral trade turnover reached approximately 2 billion US dollars in 2024 and totaled nearly 800 million dollars in the first half of 2025.
“Kazakhstan already accounts for about 80% of overland freight traffic between Asia and Europe. We are ready to cooperate on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the introduction of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, with the involvement of Japanese investors,” said Minister Nurtleu.
The sides welcomed the planned launch of direct flights between Almaty and Tokyo in March 2026, to be operated jointly by Air Astana and Japan Airlines.
The parties emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in nuclear medicine, healthcare, and disaster risk reduction.
The Kazakh side expressed interest in attracting advanced Japanese technologies to enhance the qualifications of medical personnel, and in exchanging best practices in early warning systems and risk monitoring.
Following the meeting, the ministers signed an Agreement between the Government of Kazakhstan and the Government of Japan on the provision of a grant for the implementation of the Economic and Social Development Program.
Photo: gov.kz
