Chancellor Scholz and President Tokayev Forge Bilateral Cooperation During Landmark Visit
German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz Visits Kazakhstan, Strengthening Bilateral Relations
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz at Akorda during an official visit to Kazakhstan on September 16. This visit marked Scholz’s first to Kazakhstan in 14 years, signifying a historic moment for the two countries.
During the meeting, President Tokayev expressed gratitude to Scholz for his visit and emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and increasing bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Germany. He described Germany as one of Kazakhstan’s key European and global partners, highlighting the significance of the multifaceted collaboration between the two nations.
Chancellor Scholz, accompanied by a large delegation of business representatives, commended Kazakhstan for its hospitality and expressed eagerness to discuss and promote bilateral relations. The leaders deliberated on political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian ties, as well as cooperation in critical sectors such as energy, industry, transport, climate change, and education.
President Tokayev also addressed the situation around Ukraine, stressing the need for peace and dialogue to resolve the conflict. He emphasized the potential for achieving peace and called for support of a peace plan proposed by China and Brazil.
Germany is a crucial trade and investment partner for Kazakhstan, with mutual trade increasing by 13% in the first seven months of this year compared to 2023. Direct investments from Germany to Kazakhstan rose by 64% last year, reaching $770 million, with a focus on developing the non-primary sector of the economy.
The German Federal Chancellor is set to attend the second Central Asia+Germany summit on September 17 to further discuss strategic cooperation in trade and joint investment projects. The visit of Chancellor Scholz to Kazakhstan signifies a commitment to deepening and strengthening the ties between the two nations, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and mutual prosperity.
