Author: Eldor Tulyakov – 17/09/2024
Smoothening of Relations between Central Asia and Germany: A Vision of Cooperation and Progress
Eldor Tulyakov – Executive Director – Development Strategy Center (Uzbekistan)
On September 17, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the second “Central Asia-Germany” summit in Astana. His participation in this summit revealed the commitment of Uzbekistan to the development of multilateral cooperation between Central Asia and Germany based on new ideas and strategic proposals contributing to the consolidation of partnerships and ensuring sustainable development in the region.
The vision of President Mirziyoyev on what the Central Asia-Germany relations should look like in the future is based on long-term, comprehensive cooperation. He came up with the development of a strategic “Partnership Development Concept” that would include a set of program activities directed at solving common priorities in many spheres of activity. This concept is important because, in general, it will create an institutional framework for increasing cooperation and making its benefits wide and effective.
The head of Uzbekistan has come forward with several proposals: to create a “roadmap” for the increase in investment and technological cooperation between Central Asia and Germany. Such a plan would be an action plan that assured German participation by the most prominent companies and banks in regional investments. It also foresees the creation of a Central Asia-Germany Council of Investors and Entrepreneurs, which may provide a venue to promote closer business relations and encourage joint investments. In addition, President Mirziyoyev called for the elaboration of a multilateral intergovernmental agreement aimed at stimulating and protecting foreign investments-an indispensable move toward creating a favourable climate for investors.
Of particular interest in the context of cooperation within the framework of technologies is the technical assistance of Germany in the development of digital maps of known deposits of critical minerals and rare-earth metals of the region. Such a project would be instrumental not only in the efficient management of Central Asia’s rich natural resources but also in making the region all the more attractive to international investors.
Energy cooperation occupied an important place in the proposals that President Mirziyoyev made. He suggested starting the Energy Dialogue between Central Asia and Germany with the participation of Ministries of Energy, large corporations, operators of research institutions, and leading industry experts regarding issues of a low-carbon economy, focusing especially on capacity-building programs for developing skills in sustainable energy sectors. German high technical skills in this area would be very helpful in supporting the Central Asian green energy transition.
In addition, attention was focused on education and ecological sustainability. Thus, President Mirziyoyev called for the establishment of joint programs in education and scientific exchange with the involvement of the Central Asian University for Environmental Studies and Climate Change. He proposed the introduction of German technologies in water management, modernization of irrigation systems, protection of biodiversity, and, simultaneously, training environmental specialists. These are timely programs with pressing regional environmental challenges, and an opportunity could be provided in tangible ways for Central Asia to benefit from German environmental expertise.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation also came into focus: the Uzbek President proposed establishing a joint calendar of cultural events. It is necessary, according to him, to organize Central Asia Arts and Film Days in large German cities to create conditions for the deeper cultural rapprochement of the two regions. That, among others, included the creation of a platform for partnerships between leading universities, especially in dual education and training of teachers of the German language, necessary for strengthening academic and educational exchanges.
Security is still a priority in the cooperation between Central Asia and Germany, especially regarding combating terrorism, extremism, and cybercrime. President Mirziyoyev underlined that in all these directions, it is necessary to continue close cooperation with Germany. The head of state pointed out that measures for the prevention of the radicalization of youth and projects aimed at creating conditions for the education and employment of youth would be those steps that would further contribute to strengthening stability within the region.
At last, President Mirziyoyev expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in joint work with Germany and other European partners in regional economic cooperation projects involving Afghanistan. He underlined Uzbekistan’s readiness for mutual projects aimed at the integration of Afghanistan into the regional economy. A significant part is comprised of the Educational Centre in the border city of Termez, where the Uzbek side is organizing trainings of Afghan professionals, first of all, women and girls, in skills needed for the peaceful development of Afghanistan.
Overall, President Mirziyoyev’s comprehensive and forward-looking proposals within the framework of the “Central Asia-Germany” summit reflect the influential role played by Uzbekistan as an active regional actor due to its strategic aims for multilateral cooperation. With Germany as the key partner, Central Asia is in a good position to achieve long-term stability, advanced economic development, and sustainable growth. A future with such visionary proposals for Central Asia-Germany relations will assure both regions of mutual benefit and lasting progress.