Strait of Hormuz blockade should continue says Iran's new Supreme Leader: Middle East conflict on 12 March
Iran should continue “blocking the Strait of Hormuz,” while the U....
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first official visit to Japan marks a notable moment in relations between the two countries, reflecting a shared interest in deepening cooperation.
Beyond diplomacy, the visit underscores growing strategic and economic considerations, as both sides seek to diversify partnerships and reduce over-reliance on dominant regional powers.
Speaking to Daybreak on AnewZ, Seijiro Takeshita, Professor at the University of Shizuoka, explained to Nadia Gyane why the visit carries particular significance for both Kazakhstan and Japan.
Takeshita highlighted the symbolic and practical weight of the visit, noting that it extends well beyond ceremonial diplomacy.
“It's very significant I mean he's also met with our emperor and it's not only a diplomatic but it's much more to do with economic side as well as you reported earlier.”
He said the visit reflects mutual strategic needs, as both countries look to rebalance their external dependencies.
“I think Japan and both the parties really need each other considering that you need to basically reduce the amount of excess reliability to interior states like that in Russia." he said.
"Kazakhstan is aiming to do that. Japan is aiming also to basically decrease the level of dependency to China.” he added.
According to Takeshita, Kazakhstan and Japan are well positioned to strengthen cooperation in logistics and trade, with significant untapped potential on both sides.
“So, you know we have a very interesting strategic logistic ties that we can strengthen. And at the same time we can boost our trade, there are so much potential on both sides of benefiting from each other.”
He described the visit as a positive step forward for bilateral relations.
“So, I think this is a very very important and a very good move.”
Takeshita’s remarks suggest that President Tokayev’s visit represents a strategic opportunity for Kazakhstan and Japan to expand economic cooperation, enhance logistics connectivity and diversify international partnerships.
Both countries seek to navigate evolving regional dependencies, the visit signals a shared interest in building a more resilient and mutually beneficial relationship.
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
The U.S. should shut down its military bases in the Middle East, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday (12 March). His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Georgia has cancelled international tenders for the construction of major road sections that form part of a regional highway linking the country with the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment