Japan looks to wean Kyrgyzstan off reliance on China, Russia

Good news! Japan is going out of its way? Or is Kyrgyzstan desperate?

Kyrgyzstan's economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources. Gold is the primary mineral mined in the country, accounting for more than 90% of the total.

"Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised to deepen cooperation with Kyrgyzstan in infrastructure and other areas in a meeting with the country's president on Monday, seeking to help the Central Asian nation reduce its dependence on China and Russia. ..."

Japan looks to wean Kyrgyzstan off reliance on China, Russia - Nikkei Asia Leaders stress friendship, commitment to rule of law in Tokyo meeting

Japan's Fumio Kishida, right, and Kyrgyzstan's Sadyr Japarov met in Tokyo on Nov. 20, ahead of a planned visit to Central Asia by the Japanese leader next year.