Kazakhstan and Japan have taken a landmark step toward deepening bilateral relations as Astana Mayor Zhenis Kassymbek and Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two capitals in the presence of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The MoU was signed during President Tokayev’s official visit to Japan, which began on December 17. During the visit, Tokayev met Governor Koike to discuss cooperation in digitalization, smart city technologies, artificial intelligence, sustainable urban development, and innovative urban management solutions, according to The Caspian Post, citing Kazakh media.
Earlier, President Tokayev held talks with Emperor Naruhito, noting that Japan has long served as an inspiration for Kazakhstan in terms of discipline and resilience. He also attended an official reception held in his honor, visited the Meiji Jingu Shrine, met Kazakh citizens living and studying in Japan, and engaged with members of the Japanese Parliamentary League of Friendship with Kazakhstan, led by Toshiaki Endo.
A ceremonial welcome was held at the Office of the Prime Minister of Japan, where Tokayev met Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Japanese leader reaffirmed Tokyo’s view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner in advancing a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
The visit concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration and the signing of 14 bilateral documents, marking a significant milestone in Kazakhstan–Japan relations.
