During German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-day visit to Central Asia, leaders from the region conveyed a straightforward message: reciprocity is key to cooperation.
On September 17, the leaders of the five Central Asian countries met with Scholz in Astana, Kazakhstan, to discuss increasing trade with the West. Germany is keen on increasing natural gas imports from Central Asia as part of the EU’s strategy to reduce reliance on Russian energy. While no specific agreements were announced, the meeting ended on a positive note, with optimism about future deals.
Scholz noted the close and growing exchanges between their societies, as reported by the DPA news agency. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the host of the meeting, echoed this sentiment, stating that the discussions reinforced the leaders’ mutual interest in deepening cooperation, with energy playing a “key role” in their relations.
Tokayev outlined a potential roadmap for future trade, expressing Central Asia’s willingness to help Germany and the EU meet their energy needs. However, he indicated that Central Asia seeks more than financial returns for their energy exports. He described Germany as a leader in “economic and technological innovation” and expressed a desire for Central Asian countries to benefit from German expertise, particularly in sectors like finance, agriculture, logistics, and information technology.
The Kazakh president also highlighted the region’s interest in German support for Central Asia’s green energy initiatives, such as a project involving Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to develop solar and wind power for export to the EU. Tokayev extended an invitation to Germany to participate in this strategic endeavor.
Prior to his visit to Kazakhstan, Scholz was in Uzbekistan, where he discussed a similar ‘give-get’ dynamic with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. They reached an agreement allowing Germany to send potential Afghan migrants to Uzbekistan for eventual repatriation to Afghanistan, in exchange for Uzbek skilled workers to fill job openings in Germany.
This agreement not only addresses domestic migration issues for Scholz’s government but also supports Mirziyoyev’s efforts to transform Uzbekistan’s economy from raw material production to finished goods manufacturing. It also creates more opportunities for skilled Uzbek workers abroad.
The German-Uzbek deal could also benefit the Taliban in Afghanistan, as they seek international recognition. Uzbekistan has been engaging with the Taliban to stabilize its southern border and influence the Kosh-Tepa canal project. The Uzbek government has also agreed to process Afghan crude oil and a potential $2.5 billion investment deal with the Taliban.
If the Taliban cooperates with the return of Afghan nationals from Germany via Uzbekistan, it could demonstrate their capability as a responsible international actor, potentially aiding their quest for legitimacy.