At the historic "Central Asia + Japan" Summit in Tokyo, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a comprehensive strategy for transforming the region into a zone of stability and high technology. From a global initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law to specific projects in hydrogen energy and "green diplomacy," Ashgabat's proposals aim to create a new architecture of relations where trust becomes the primary instrument of progress.
TOKYO, December 20 | ORIENT. Speaking at the first "Central Asia + Japan" Summit, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov presented a detailed vision for a new architecture for Eurasian partnership. The head of state emphasized that today's meeting in Tokyo is the starting point for a qualitative renewal of relations, where Asia's growing role as a global center of development dictates the need to establish fundamentally new areas of interaction.
Turkmenistan sees an atmosphere of absolute trust and openness as the foundation of this process. The President expressed confidence that the regular nature of such meetings will allow for the most effective utilization of the combined potential of the countries in the region and Japanese technology. In this configuration, Japan is viewed not simply as an economic leader, but as an influential participant in global processes, capable of imbuing partnership with Central Asia with profound practical content.
The speech placed special emphasis on economic sovereignty and investment activity. The President recalled the country's long-standing and effective experience working with such giants as Itochu, Mitsubishi, and Kawasaki. This experience, spanning the gas, chemical, and electric power industries, demonstrates that the Turkmen-Japanese partnership has long since moved beyond simple trade transactions, becoming a strategic alliance in high-value added industries. One of the most progressive sections of the presentation was the topic of "green transformation."
The President emphasized the fundamental importance of transitioning to environmentally friendly production for Turkmenistan, which possesses colossal energy resources. In this context, hydrogen energy was called the "energy of the future." It was noted that Ashgabat has already begun a substantive study of this area together with the University of Tsukuba, seeking to implement advanced Japanese practices in decarbonization and methane emissions reduction.
Continuing with the topic of ecology, Serdar Berdimuhamedov proposed strengthening common approaches to sustainable development through "green diplomacy" mechanisms. This initiative entails promoting cooperation models based on shared responsibility in the international arena. Supporting Ashgabat's initiative to establish a Regional Center for Climate Technologies in Central Asia should be an important practical step in this direction.
The transport agenda was also given a new perspective. The President emphasized that Turkmenistan is developing a multimodal logistics system, where new routes harmoniously complement existing ones. By investing in mega-projects such as the Turkmenbashi Port and transnational railways, the country is creating a seamless connection between the Caspian Sea and the Asia-Pacific region, offering Japanese businesses a role as a key technology partner in this global network.
The humanitarian dimension of the speech focused on the development of human potential. Noting the dynamic growth of the region's youth population, the head of state proposed institutionalizing contacts through the creation of a Central Asia-Japan Youth Forum and a permanent Women's Dialogue platform. These initiatives are intended to strengthen the social foundation of interstate ties.
The President of Turkmenistan addressed fundamental issues of global security and law and order. Emphasizing that for a neutral state, peaceful, legal means are the only way to resolve international issues, Serdar Berdimuhamedov asked the summit participants to support Turkmenistan's initiative to declare 2028 the Year of International Law.
This call for strengthening the international legal framework and the primacy of the UN Charter was complemented by an emphasis on the importance of adhering to the non-proliferation regime and banning nuclear tests.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov's speech in Tokyo confirmed Turkmenistan's status as a state that not only advances large-scale economic projects but also actively shapes the global security and strategic stability agenda based on principles of trust and mutual respect.
