Talks Between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Olaf Scholz Held in Samarkand
Samarkand, The Gulf Observer: High-level talks between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took place at the Congress Center in Samarkand. The discussions were held in both a narrow format and with the participation of delegations from both nations.
In his opening remarks, President Mirziyoyev underscored the historic significance of Chancellor Scholz’s visit, emphasizing the increased attention it reflects towards developing Uzbek-German relations. The President highlighted Germany’s support for the ongoing reforms under the “New Uzbekistan” initiatives, which aim to further modernize the country.
President Mirziyoyev extended his congratulations to the German delegation on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany and the upcoming German Unity Day, underscoring the close ties between the two countries.
The meeting focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, building on the positive momentum generated by last year’s discussions in Berlin. Both leaders welcomed the growth in trade, noting that the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Germany has surpassed €1 billion. In addition, German investments in Uzbekistan have reached €800 million in recent years, particularly in sectors such as energy, industry, and infrastructure.
Key areas of cooperation discussed included expanding financial and technical ties, particularly through German institutions such as KfW and the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ). The leaders also acknowledged the success of last year’s exhibition of Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage in Berlin and the recent establishment of the Avicenna and Heinrich Schipperges Higher School of Medical Sciences in Samarkand.
Both sides expressed a strong interest in enhancing ties between their respective parliaments, governments, and foreign ministries, and agreed to hold regular consultations on regional and international issues. The situation in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s participation in the Climate Club were among the topics addressed, as well as collaboration within the United Nations, the OSCE, and other multilateral organizations.
The discussions also focused on strategic programs for industrial and technological cooperation, with particular emphasis on “green” energy, the chemical industry, engineering, and textile production. Both sides expressed their commitment to accelerating key projects, including power plant construction with Siemens Energy, the production of “green” ammonia in partnership with the Linde Group, and the development of copper deposits with the support of KfW Ipex-Bank.
Other areas of collaboration included the localization of pump systems, renewable energy projects, medical equipment production, and the establishment of logistics centers. The leaders agreed to pursue the introduction of advanced technologies and investment incentive mechanisms to promote further growth.
President Mirziyoyev proposed the resumption of direct Lufthansa flights to Uzbekistan and highlighted the importance of enhancing regional cooperation between Uzbekistan’s provinces and Germany’s federal states. A labor migration agreement was signed, which aims to foster transparent and structured cooperation in this area, along with the creation of a “roadmap” for the preparation and deployment of Uzbek specialists to Germany.
The leaders also emphasized educational and scientific exchanges, with a focus on promoting the German dual education model across Uzbekistan. Plans to establish a University Forum and create German university faculties in Uzbekistan were discussed, alongside a special recognition of an Uzbek student’s recent victory at the World German Language Olympiad.
In conclusion, both sides agreed to develop a joint “roadmap” to ensure the timely implementation of the agreements and signed deals, marking a new chapter in Uzbek-German relations.
