German Chancellor Scholz Strengthens Ties with Central Asia Nations during First Visit to Kazakhstan in Decades
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently wrapped up his official visit to Kazakhstan, marking the first visit by a German Chancellor in decades. During his two-day visit, Scholz engaged in meetings with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, took part in a Kazakh-German business forum, and joined a gathering with five Central Asian leaders.
The visit not only strengthened the ties between Kazakhstan and Germany but also highlighted Germany’s increasing interest in engaging with Central Asia as a whole. Scholz, who took office in 2021, is the first Chancellor to visit Kazakhstan in 14 years, following his visit to Uzbekistan, where he was the first Chancellor to visit in 22 years.
Germany holds a significant position as Kazakhstan’s key trade and investment partner. Trade between the two countries reached $3.9 billion in 2023, with exports totaling $740.9 million. German investments in Kazakhstan have exceeded $6.6 billion since 1992, with more than 90% of these investments funneled into non-resource sectors.
During the visit, agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including finance, education, and technology. The Development Bank of Kazakhstan signed agreements with leading German financial institutions, aiming to finance investment projects in Kazakhstan. Additionally, collaboration was established to create the Kazakh-German Institute of Science and Technology and open a Kazakh-German school.
The discussions during the visit also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Kazakhstan expressing its stance on the need for a resolution and offering to act as a mediator. The visit is viewed as part of a broader strategy by Germany to strengthen ties with Central Asia within the EU framework.
Overall, Chancellor Scholz’s visit to Kazakhstan reflects a commitment to deepening economic ties, enhancing cooperation, and addressing key regional challenges. The visit signifies a step towards elevating the partnership between Kazakhstan and Germany to a new level, encompassing various areas of collaboration from economy and technology to security and political dialogue.
