The summit not only highlighted Central Asia’s desire to deepen ties with Germany but also brought significant attention to several key issues: critical minerals, green technologies, energy, and regional security. The discussions addressed problems common to all participants while also highlighting new opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration.
Participants and Their Positions: Kazakhstan, Germany, and Central Asian Countries
The summit brought together the leaders of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Each head of state outlined their vision for key areas of cooperation with Germany, emphasizing where German expertise and technology could accelerate the region’s transition to sustainable development.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev particularly emphasized the importance of trade between Germany and Central Asia, stating that his country is ready to increase exports by 100 product categories worth $850 million. Kazakhstan proposed that Germany participate in joint energy projects, including the transmission of “green” energy from the region to Europe via the Caspian Sea. Tokayev also stressed the importance of cooperation in critical materials, suggesting a “resources for technology” model and proposing the creation of a regional research center for rare-earth metals.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s readiness to continue and strengthen cooperation with Central Asia. He noted that the relationship between the regions is not only economic but also cultural. Scholz highlighted the necessity of addressing global challenges, such as climate change and water scarcity, through joint efforts. He emphasized the need for internal coordination within Central Asia to solve regional problems, stating, “These issues affect all of us, and we can only solve them together.”
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a Forum of Analytical Centers “Central Asia-Germany” and adopting a long-term partnership development concept. He emphasized the significance of cooperation in critical minerals and suggested the creation of digital maps of mineral deposits in the region. Mirziyoyev also proposed launching an Energy Dialogue involving energy ministries and major corporations from both regions.
Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedow focused on the fight against extremism and terrorism as critical areas of cooperation. He stressed that Turkmenistan’s neutral status supports diplomatic ties in the region, facilitating closer cooperation with Germany on international security and stabilization in Afghanistan.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov drew attention to climate change and proposed establishing a Regional Center for the Implementation of Energy-Efficient Technologies in Bishkek. Japarov noted that Kyrgyzstan is particularly vulnerable to climate change due to the rapid melting of glaciers, which poses a threat to the region’s water resources. He also proposed exploring debt-for-nature swaps as a mechanism to finance environmental programs.
Key Topics: Economy, Critical Minerals, and Green Technologies
One of the central topics of the summit was economic cooperation between Germany and Central Asia. Regional leaders recognized Germany as a vital partner and expressed their willingness to deepen collaboration in areas such as energy, transportation and logistics, industrial production, and technology. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the importance of energy cooperation and proposed increasing oil exports to Germany, as well as jointly developing renewable energy projects.
Critical minerals were a key aspect of the discussions. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Germany in the development and processing of rare-earth metals. Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a Regional Research Center for Rare Earth Metals, which could strengthen economic ties between Central Asia and Germany. The Uzbek president also underscored the importance of attracting German technology for the development of critical mineral deposits.
The summit’s “green” agenda was equally significant. Germany, with its experience in sustainable development and climate policy, emerged as a key partner for the region. Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to environmental protection and proposed revitalizing the “Green Central Asia” initiative, launched in 2020. Central Asian leaders expressed their readiness to expand cooperation in climate technologies and the rational use of water resources. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan highlighted the critical issue of glacier melting and water scarcity, which affects the entire region.
Security and Afghanistan
Regional security and stabilization in Afghanistan were essential topics of discussion at the summit. Central Asian leaders voiced concern about instability in Afghanistan, which could negatively impact the entire region. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedow emphasized the importance of global involvement, including from Germany and the United Nations, in addressing the Afghan problem. He noted that a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Afghanistan could ensure security and stability not only in Central Asia but beyond.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed joint projects to integrate Afghanistan into regional economic cooperation and train professionals in the country. He expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to offer educational programs for Afghan specialists, including women, at the Educational Center in Termez.
Germany’s Role in Regional Integration
A special focus of the summit was Germany’s role as a partner capable of promoting Central Asia’s integration into global economic processes. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed confidence that economic cooperation with Germany could help the region become part of global trade and investment flows. Germany supported initiatives to develop infrastructure in the region, including transport corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe.
Chancellor Scholz also highlighted the importance of regional coordination and integration. He emphasized that Germany supports efforts to improve interaction among Central Asian countries, which should help strengthen peace and stability in the region. In particular, the chancellor stressed the importance of addressing water shortages and climate change through joint efforts.
Conclusions and Prospects
The “Central Asia-Germany” summit demonstrated that Central Asia remains a key partner for Germany in the Eurasian region. The joint declaration adopted at the end of the meeting confirmed the parties’ commitment to deepening cooperation across a broad range of issues, including economy, security, and environmental protection.
The prospects for further collaboration appear promising. Given Central Asia’s rich natural resources and Germany’s technological potential, both sides see great opportunities for sustainable development. In the coming years, Central Asia and Germany are expected to continue strengthening their ties, building on the outcomes of this successful summit.
