On September 29th, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, attended the first summit of leaders from Central Asian countries and Germany, chaired by the Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, Olaf Scholz, in Berlin.
The event was also attended by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
At the summit, the prospects for improving trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation, the growth of green energy and adaptation to climate change, issues of protecting natural resources and the environment, as well as collective efforts to ensure stable and sustainable regional development were discussed.
The participants remarked that the “Central Asia – Germany” format has become an effective platform for open dialogue and the formation of a new agenda for practical cooperation between the region’s countries and the German side.
The President of Uzbekistan praised the current level of regional cooperation in Central Asia and highlighted that Uzbekistan is continuously advancing the agenda of good neighborliness, strengthening mutual trust and partnership.
The role of Germany in providing practical assistance to the development of the region’s countries since the first days of independence was highly appreciated.
It was noted that Uzbekistan is at a critical stage of transformation and building the New Uzbekistan – a democratic state where human interests are of the highest priority. A long-term Country Development Strategy until 2030 has been adopted, and its goals will be achieved with the involvement of the potential of international partners.
Priority areas of long-term cooperation of regional importance were identified.
These areas include the development of investment, innovation, and technological links and exchanges, the introduction of renewable energy sources, deep processing of raw materials, strengthening transport and communication connectivity, promoting the green agenda, training specialists for various industries by German standards, and providing humanitarian assistance to the population of Afghanistan.
The leaders of the Central Asian countries supported the proposal of the German side to establish a Strategic Regional Partnership between Central Asia and Germany, holding regular meetings and consultations in this format.
UzA