Japan builds ties in Russia's backyard with Central Asia summit

TOKYO -- Japan and five Central Asian countries are expected to issue a joint statement regarding cooperation on sustainable economic development at a summit next week, covering areas including cutting carbon emissions and developing talent.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visits the region Aug. 9-11 to meet with leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The former Soviet republics, largely surrounded by China, Russia and Iran, are rich in energy and mineral resources, which has spurred a race for influence in the region.