Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the second Central Asia-Germany Summit, held in Astana on 17 September.

The event was chaired by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and gathered German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhammedov.

The summit discussed ways to deepen multifaceted cooperation between Central Asia and Germany. The focus was on investments and technologies, critical raw materials, green energy, transport and logistics connections, climate change mitigation, and the implementation of educational and cultural programs.

In his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized Germany’s unwavering support for democratic reforms and socio-economic transformations in Central Asia, as well as its partnership and integration efforts in the region.

The President highlighted that previous meetings in Berlin and the current event confirm a mutual readiness to continue open and constructive dialogue, aiming for practical outcomes.

He particularly noted the historical ties with Germany and its crucial role in achieving sustainable development in Central Asia. Mirziyoyev emphasized that significant changes in the region foster active development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

To further develop the partnership between Central Asia and Germany, the President of Uzbekistan proposed adopting a long-term partnership development concept with programmatic activities in priority areas. He also suggested the creation of a Central Asia-Germany Think Tank Forum, with the first meeting to be held next year in Khiva.

The President proposed enhancing investment and technological cooperation, developing a "roadmap" to expand this collaboration, involving leading German companies and banks in joint projects, creating a Central Asia-Germany Investors and Entrepreneurs Council, and considering the signing of a multilateral intergovernmental agreement on investment protection.

One of the promising areas identified is cooperation in critical raw materials, including geological exploration and processing projects, as well as organizing supplies to Germany and other EU countries.

The President also expressed interest in attracting technical assistance from Germany for creating digital maps of explored critical mineral and rare earth metal deposits, as well as establishing a reliable legal framework for such cooperation.

The importance of green energy was also emphasized. The President proposed launching an Energy Dialogue between Central Asia and Germany, involving ministries, large corporations, scientific organizations, and experts. He also suggested developing a comprehensive program to enhance the capacity of specialists in low-carbon economy with Germany’s support.

Mirziyoyev highlighted the need for joint responses to climate change and proposed expanding educational programs and scientific exchanges at the Central Asian University of Environmental Studies and Climate Change, as well as implementing German technologies in water use, irrigation system modernization, and biodiversity conservation.

The President also underscored the significance of developing transport communications and called for support in creating alternative transport corridors between Central Asia and Europe. He proposed holding a ministerial conference in 2025 to explore ways to increase the transit potential of such routes.

In the field of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, the President suggested adopting a joint cultural events plan, organizing Central Asian Art and Film Days in Germany, and enhancing interaction between museum collections.

In the sphere of scientific and educational exchange, he emphasized the importance of creating a platform for university partnerships, developing dual education programs, and training German language teachers with support from the Goethe Institute.

Additionally, the President noted the need for continued cooperation with Germany in combating terrorism, extremism, and cybercrime, as well as preventing youth radicalization.

He also pointed out that the situation in Central Asia is linked to processes in Afghanistan and expressed Uzbekistan’s readiness to cooperate with Germany and other European partners in implementing projects to involve Afghanistan in regional economic cooperation and training personnel at the Educational Center in Termez.

A Joint Statement was adopted at the summit.