The Japanese government plans to hold a summit with leaders of five Central Asian countries on Dec. 19–20 in Tokyo, Nippon.com reported Wednesday.

Taro Aso, vice president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, outlined the plans during a general meeting of the Japan–Central Asia Friendship League within the LDP.

Bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the heads of the Central Asian states are also being considered as part of the summit.

The Central Asia + Japan dialogue, established in 2004, serves as a key platform for engagement between Japan and Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.