The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan spoke in favor of developing practical partnership between Central Asia and Germany

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the second ‘‘Central Asia – Germany’’ summit, which took place on September 17 in Astana, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The event, chaired by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was also attended by Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

The issues of further deepening multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Germany were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the development of partnership in the areas of investment and technology, critical raw materials, green energy, transport and logistics, combating climate change, as well as the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan highly appreciated Germany’s firm and unwavering support for the ongoing democratic transformations and socio-economic reforms in the countries of Central Asia, partnership and integration in the region.

– The first meeting in Berlin and today’s event once again confirm the common intention to continue an open and constructive dialogue, focus on achieving specific practical results, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted.

The head of state particularly noted the long-standing historical ties with Germany, the important role of the Federal Republic in ensuring the sustainable development goals in Central Asia. It was emphasized that the profound changes that have occurred in the region in recent years contribute to the dynamic development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

In order to further develop comprehensive cooperation between Central Asia and Germany, the President of Uzbekistan put forward a number of new initiatives and proposals.

First of all, highly appreciating the establishment of a strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany, the head of Uzbekistan proposed adopting a long-term Concept for the Development of Partnership with program activities in priority areas.

To develop this document, it was noted that it is necessary to establish the ‘‘Central Asia – Germany’’ Think Tank Forum with its first meeting to be held next year in Khiva.

The important role of annual meetings of the heads of the foreign ministries of the countries in preparing the agenda of the summits was also noted.

The priority is to increase investment and technology partnerships with leading German companies.

In this regard, it was proposed to develop a ‘‘road map’’ for expanding investment and technology cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Germany, actively involve leading German companies and banks in the implementation of joint projects in the region, create a Council of Investors and Entrepreneurs ‘‘Central Asia and Germany’’, and study the possibility of adopting a multilateral intergovernmental agreement on the stimulation and protection of investments.

A promising area was noted as a partnership in the field of critical raw materials based on the introduction of advanced knowledge and technologies of Germany.

– We are talking about projects for geological exploration, intensive development, processing and production of products with high added value, organizing deliveries to Germany and other countries of the European Union,– the head of state said.

The readiness of Uzbekistan to participate in the joint implementation of such projects in neighboring countries was noted.

In addition, interest was expressed in attracting technical assistance from Germany in the implementation of the Program for the creation of digital maps of explored deposits of critical minerals and rare earth metals in the region. The importance of creating a reliable legal framework for such cooperation was also noted.

Interaction in the field of ‘‘green’’ energy is of particular importance.

– In recent years, all our countries have been actively developing solar, wind and hydropower, modernizing thermal power plants and networks, and promoting ‘‘green’’ hydrogen projects, – said the leader of Uzbekistan.

The head of state proposed launching an Energy Dialogue of Central Asian countries with Germany with the involvement of energy ministries, large corporations, operators, scientific organizations and industry experts.

Interest was expressed in the preparation of a Comprehensive Program for Improving the Potential of Specialists in the Field of Low-Carbon Economy with the involvement of technical assistance from Germany.

A joint response to climate change is of particular relevance.

In this regard, it was proposed to expand joint educational programs and scientific exchanges based on the Central Asian University for the Study of the Environment and Climate Change, as well as to adopt cooperation programs for the introduction of German technologies for rational water use, modernization of irrigation systems, conservation of biodiversity, and training of environmental specialists.

Support and readiness to take an active part in the practical implementation of the German Chancellor’s initiative to create a Central Asian Nature Partnership were expressed.

– The biggest barrier to deepening our partnership is the weak development of transport communications, including land and air transportation, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

In this regard, he called on the German side to assist in attracting European institutions to the development of alternative transport corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe.

The head of state proposed holding a joint ministerial conference in 2025 to find ways to increase the transit potential of such routes.

Noting the demand for the development of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the President of Uzbekistan advocated the adoption of a joint Plan of cultural events, holding Days of Art and Cinema of Central Asia in major cities of Germany, and establishing interaction between museum funds.

In the field of scientific and educational exchange, the importance of launching a platform for partnership between leading universities, developing programs to expand cooperation in the field of dual education, training German language teachers with the involvement of the Goethe Institute and other organizations in Germany was emphasized.

The need to continue close cooperation with Germany on the fight against terrorism, extremism and cybercrime, and preventing the radicalization of young people was also noted.

The head of Uzbekistan noted that the security situation in Central Asia is inextricably linked with the ongoing processes in Afghanistan.

– We consider it important to prevent the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in this country, which is essentially left alone with its problems, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

In this regard, the readiness to cooperate with Germany and other European partners in the implementation of joint projects aimed at involving this country in regional economic cooperation and training personnel, including girls and women, in specialties in demand for peaceful life in Afghanistan at the Educational Center in the border town of Termez was emphasized.

The heads of state of Central Asia and the Chancellor of Germany also spoke at the summit.

A Joint Statement was adopted following the event.