German Council On Foreign Relations Outlines Berlin's Investment Priorities In Central Asia (Exclusive)

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 15. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as key regional players, are central to Germany's strategy, Stefan Meister, Head of the Center for Order and Governance in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia at the German Council on Foreign Relations, told Trend .

"They are the primary focus of German Politics and investment," Meister noted. "Their role as regional leaders is recognized by Berlin and Brussels, and we expect to see increased investment and high-level Political exchanges with these countries."

"Since Russia's war began in 2022, there has been a notable increase in Europe's engagement with Central Asia," Meister explained. "Europe is actively seeking alternative sources for resources and transit routes, such as the Middle Corridor. This heightened engagement from Germany and the EU reflects a need to diversify away from Russian and Chinese influence in the region."

Meister noted that while Germany and the EU are ramping up their involvement with Central Asian leaders, they do not aim to compete with Russia and China directly. "Germany and the EU are focusing on more high-level engagement, increased investment, and heightened attention to Central Asia, but they are not looking to challenge Russia and China, who are deeply integrated into the region's institutions like the SCO and EEU."

Regarding energy resources, Meister highlighted Kazakhstan's significant potential. "Germany's primary goal is to access Kazakhstan's oil, gas, and other raw materials. We anticipate more German investment in these sectors, as well as increased interest in renewable energy and green hydrogen."

Meister also addressed the vast mineral deposits in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. "Germany's investment in these critical minerals is essential for supporting its energy transition and technological advancements. However, Germany's investment pace is relatively slow and bureaucratic compared to other Asian countries competing for these resources. A single top-level meeting annually may not be sufficient to advance relations and compete effectively."

On the broader foreign policy front, Meister emphasized that Germany's objectives in Central Asia extend beyond economic interests. "The goals include agreements on migration, improving political relations, and addressing sanctions gaps where Central Asian countries still supply Russia. This visit is part of a larger EU strategy, involving high-level engagement, including a '5+1' summit and coordination with French and EU representatives."

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will pay a visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on September 15-17, making it his inaugural journey to Central Asia.

On September 17, Scholz will also attend the second Central Asia-Germany (5+1) summit in Kazakhstan. The first summit, held in Berlin last year, was a game-changer that paved the way for the signing of a strategic regional partnership program, and this trip aims to take things to the next level and build on the solid foundation that was laid.

MENAFN15092024000187011040ID1108674674