AKIPRESS.COM - President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted key areas of cooperation between Central Asia and Germany at the second "Central Asia – Germany" summit held in Astana, according to the presidential press service.

Mirziyoyev noted that the first meeting in Berlin and the current summit in Astana confirm the intention to continue an open and constructive dialogue. He emphasized that Germany consistently supports the socio-economic reforms carried out in Central Asia.

Mirziyoyev stressed the importance of long-term strategic cooperation for ensuring stability and sustainable development in Central Asia. He proposed adopting a comprehensive Concept for Developing Cooperation, supported by a "Central Asia-Germany Forum of Analytical Centers," and suggested holding its inaugural meeting in Khiva, Uzbekistan. This forum, according to Mirziyoyev, would play a crucial role in deepening regional cooperation and promoting dialogue on shared challenges and opportunities.

The President also noted the role of investment and technological partnerships between Central Asia and Germany. He highlighted the significant presence of German companies in Uzbekistan, with over €20 billion in ongoing projects across various sectors, including energy, chemicals, and agriculture. To further boost economic cooperation, Mirziyoyev proposed creating a roadmap for expanding investment ties and launching a "Central Asia-Germany" business dialogue platform. He also suggested adopting an intergovernmental agreement to protect investments across the region.

Another priority identified by the Uzbek President was the development of the region's mineral resources with the help of German expertise. Mirziyoyev called for joint projects in geological exploration, mineral processing, and the creation of a digital map of the region's key raw materials. He expressed Uzbekistan's readiness to support Germany in securing these resources for the EU market.

Mirziyoyev also focused on the potential of "green" energy partnerships, the fourth strategic area of cooperation. He proposed the establishment of an Energy Dialogue between Central Asia and Germany to enhance collaboration on renewable energy development, including solar, wind, and hydrogen projects. The Uzbek leader expressed interest in German technical assistance to help Central Asian countries transition to a low-carbon economy and modernize their energy infrastructure.

Addressing climate change, Mirziyoyev underscored the pressing need for joint efforts to mitigate the impacts of global warming on Central Asia. He welcomed Germany's support through the "Green Central Asia" initiative and called for greater cooperation in environmental education, water resource management, and biodiversity preservation. He also voiced support for the creation of the Central Asian Nature Partnership, a project initiated by Chancellor Scholz to strengthen environmental cooperation in the region.

The President also emphasized the importance of improving transport links between Central Asia and Europe. He identified the underdeveloped state of transport corridors as a major obstacle to deepening trade relations.

The Uzbek President called for a joint ministerial conference to explore ways to enhance transit routes, which would help Central Asia become a vital link between Europe and Asia. Enhanced transport infrastructure, he noted, would foster regional economic integration and expand trade with Germany.

Mirziyoyev proposed developing the cultural and humanitarian sphere through adopting a Plan of Cultural Events, including holding Days of Culture and Cinema of Central Asia in major cities of Germany, and establishing contacts between museum funds.

Another important area of cooperation is the fight against terrorism and extremism, according to Mirziyoyev. It is necessary to concentrate on preventing the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, the President believes. One of the projects in this direction could be the creation of an Educational Center in the border town of Termez, implemented with the support of Germany, where Afghan women will be trained in professions in demand in the neighboring country.

The second "Central Asia – Germany" summit took place in Astana. It was attended by the leaders of Central Asian countries and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.