Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 29 September, a landmark event took place in the history of interaction between Germany and the countries of Central Asia - the first “Central Asia - Germany” summit.

The Forum at the “highest” level, held in Berlin, was attended by Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, as well as the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

It is worth noting that the place of Central Asia in modern political realities is increasing. In this vein, the important role of Uzbekistan in the formation of constructive dialogue and a policy of good neighborly relations in the region is highlighted, which contributed to integration processes and increased the attractiveness of Central Asia in the eyes of the international community.

Evidence of the above is the successive “CA+” formats. Thus, the first “China - Central Asia” summit was held in Xi’an on 18-19 May 2023, the second “European Union - Central Asia” summit was held in Cholpon-Ata on 2 June 2023, and the first summit of leaders of the “Central Asia - USA” countries was held in New York on 19 September 2023.

The current summit "Central Asia - Germany" is an important platform for discussing prospects for deepening cooperation in the field of trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian interactions, promoting environmentally friendly energy sources and adapting to climate change, issues of preserving natural resources and ecology, as well as joint efforts for ensuring sustainable development of the region.

During his speech, Shavkat Mirziyoyev focused on priority areas of long-term cooperation that are of regional importance.

In particular, the President of Uzbekistan outlined: “The importance of developing investment, innovation and technological ties and exchanges, the introduction of renewable energy sources, deep processing of raw materials, strengthening transport and communication interconnectedness, promoting the “green” agenda, training specialists for various industries in accordance with German standards, providing humanitarian assistance to the population of Afghanistan.”

Thus, the Central Asia – Germany Summit represents a very important platform for close interaction between the parties in the future.

Germany is seen as a reliable partner, providing practical assistance to the countries of the region from the first days of independence. Moreover, this assistance is expressed both by Germany’s own resources and by the resources of the European Union.

Germany has the largest economy within the European Union (EU) and the fourth most powerful in the world after the United States, China and Japan. The country is a recognized leader in the automotive industry, aircraft manufacturing, electrical engineering, production of medical equipment, special equipment, vehicles, agricultural machinery, equipment for the food industry, engines and drives, various apparatus and measuring instruments for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, machine tool industry, as well as in the production of “green” » energy.

The driving force behind the country’s economic development is considered to be the innovative potential of enterprises that purposefully promote new and breakthrough technologies, innovations and business models. The backbone of the German economy is made up of medium-sized enterprises.

This explains the interest of the Central Asian countries in establishing a Strategic Regional Partnership with Germany, as well as holding regular meetings and consultations in this format.

Azer Adygezalov, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Historical Sciences, Chief Researcher at the International Institute of Central Asia