The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, participated in the second "Central Asia - Germany" summit on September 17 in the city of Astana link.
The event, chaired by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, was attended by German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov, President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
Issues of further deepening multifaceted cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Germany were discussed. Partnership development in investments and technologies, critical raw materials, green energy, transport and logistics connections, combating climate change, as well as implementation of educational and cultural programs were given special attention.
In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan highly appraised Germany's steadfast and unwavering support for the democratic changes and socio-economic reforms being carried out in the countries of Central Asia, and for cooperation and integration in the region.
- Our first meeting in Berlin and today's summit reaffirm our shared aspiration to continue our open and constructive dialogue aimed at achieving concrete, practical results, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The head of our state highlighted the deep historical roots of relations with Germany, emphasizing the important role of the Federal Republic in ensuring stable development goals in Central Asia. The profound changes that have occurred in the region in recent years serve to rapidly develop mutually beneficial cooperation, it was noted.
The President of Uzbekistan proposed a number of new initiatives and suggestions with the aim of further developing the comprehensive cooperation between Central Asia and Germany.
Firstly, the leader of Uzbekistan highly praised the establishment of strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany and proposed adopting a long-term Cooperation Development Concept that encompasses programmatic actions in priority areas.
It was emphasized that it is necessary to establish the "Central Asia - Germany" analytic centers forum and conduct its first meeting next year in Khiva to develop this document.
The importance of annual meetings of the heads of foreign policy agencies of our countries in preparing the agenda for summits was noted.
Enhancing investment and technological partnership with leading German companies is considered a priority.
In this regard, it was proposed to develop a "roadmap" for expanding investment and technological cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Germany, actively engage leading German companies and banks in implementing joint projects in the region, establish the "Central Asia and Germany" Investors and Entrepreneurs Council, as well as explore opportunities for adopting an intergovernmental agreement on encouraging and protecting investments.
The collaboration in the field of critical raw materials based on the introduction of advanced German knowledge and technologies was indicated as a promising direction.
- Here we are talking about geological exploration, accelerated development, processing, production of high value-added products, and delivering projects to Germany and other European Union countries, - said the head of our state.
Uzbekistan expressed its readiness to participate in implementing such projects together with neighboring countries.
Furthermore, interest was expressed in attracting German technical assistance in implementing the program to create digital maps of identified critical minerals and rare metal deposits. The importance of forming a reliable legal basis for such cooperation was highlighted.
Cooperation in the field of green energy is of particular importance.
- In recent years, our countries have seen active development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, modernization of heating stations and networks, and advancement of green hydrogen projects, - said the leader of Uzbekistan.
The head of our state suggested initiating the Energy Dialogue between the countries of Central Asia and Germany, involving ministries of energy, major corporations, operators, scientific organizations, and industry experts.
Interest was expressed in preparing a comprehensive program to enhance the capacity of specialists in the field of low-carbon economy with German technical assistance.
Jointly combating climate change is particularly urgent.
In this regard, it was suggested to expand joint educational programs and scientific exchanges on studying the environment and climate change based on the Central Asian University, as well as adopt cooperation programs on implementing German water-efficient technologies, modernizing irrigation systems, conserving biological diversity, and training ecological specialists.
Readiness was expressed to support and actively participate in realizing the Central Asia Nature Cooperation initiative proposed by the German Chancellor.
- The weak development of transport communications, including surface and air transports, is becoming the biggest obstacle to deepening our partnership, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
In this connection, the President invited the German side to assist in involving European institutions in developing alternative transport corridors linking Central Asia with Europe.
The head of our state proposed holding a ministerial conference in 2025 to explore ways to enhance the transit potential of such routes.
The President of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of developing cultural-humanitarian cooperation, proposing to adopt a joint Cultural Events Plan, conduct days of Central Asian arts and cinema in major German cities, and initiate cooperation between museums.
In the field of scientific-educational exchanges, the importance of launching a collaboration platform between leading higher education institutions, developing cooperation programs in the field of dual education with the involvement of the Goethe Institute and other German organizations, and training German language teachers was underlined.
Furthermore, the necessity of continuing close cooperation with Germany in combating terrorism, extremism, cybercrime, and preventing radicalization of youth was mentioned.
The leader of Uzbekistan emphasized that the security situation in Central Asia is closely linked to the processes occurring in Afghanistan.
- We consider it important to prevent the deepening of the humanitarian crisis in this almost isolated country with its own problems, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Therefore, readiness was expressed to implement joint projects focused on training specialists, including women, necessary for the peaceful life of Afghanistan, based on the Education Center in the bordering city of Termez, together with Germany and other European countries, and to involve Afghanistan in regional economic cooperation.
Leaders of the Central Asia countries and the German Chancellor also spoke at the summit.
At the end of the event, a Joint Statement was adopted.
