President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov took part in the First ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit, which was held in Tokyo as part of his working visit to Japan. This was reported by AsmanNews.

The summit was dedicated to the development of regional cooperation and the strengthening of ties between Central Asian countries and Japan. Turkmenistan considers this format to be a practical tool for diversifying international relations and promoting equal partnership, taking into account the principle of permanent neutrality.

Before the start of the summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. After the official photo session, a plenary meeting of the summit was held.

Speaking at the meeting, the President of Turkmenistan thanked the Government of Japan for the reception and noted that the summit is seen as a stage in the renewal of relations between Central Asia and Japan, taking into account global geo-economic and political changes. The need for regular summits and Turkmenistan's readiness to work actively within the framework of the dialogue were emphasised.

The Head of State confirmed the priority of economic and investment cooperation, noting the successful implementation of joint projects with ‘Mitsubishi’, ‘Kawasaki’, ‘Sumitomo’, ‘Toyo’, ‘Sojitz’, ‘Komatsu’, ‘Toyota’ and other companies. Separate mention was made of ‘green’ energy, including hydrogen energy, and cooperation with Tsukuba University.

The summit participants discussed energy security, the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, the introduction of digital technologies, investment in hydrogen energy, and cultural and academic exchanges.

Following the meeting, the Tokyo Declaration of the ‘Central Asia – Japan’ Dialogue Summit and the Joint Statement of Ministers on Economic and Energy Issues were adopted. On the same day, a plenary meeting of the Dialogue Business Council was held and a ceremony for the signing of bilateral documents took place.

After the visit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov departed for Ashgabat.