Germany strengthens Central Asian energy and raw material partnerships

German chancellor Olaf Scholz is strengthening ties with the Central Asian region, signing accords for energy and raw material partnerships during his visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. On Sunday (15 September), Germany and Uzbekistan signed declarations of intent to cooperate on critical raw materials and sustainable use of water resources, Bloomberg reported. "We want to jointly utilise and develop the potential of the raw materials that are located here for the benefit of the economies of both countries," Scholz said at the German-Uzbek Business Roundtable. "We want to work together in many technological areas. That is of great importance."

Scholz will also hold talks in Kazakhstan. A key item on the agenda is increasing Kazakh oil supplies to the PCK refinery in Schwedt, Brandenburg, Tagesspiegel Background reported. The refinery's representatives will sign a contract for the monthly supply of 100,000 tonnes of crude oil until the end of 2025, according to the paper. Germany is also interested in Kazakhstan's uranium, iron ore, zinc and copper – key materials for energy transition technologies – and the country's gas reserves. It could also be a partner to produce green hydrogen, Tagesspiegel Background wrote.

Scholz's trip is aimed at revitalising Germany's regional partnership with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, which was established in Berlin last year. In Uzbekistan, Scholz signed a migration agreement "to attract talent, labour, specialists and engineers to Germany where we need them, and at the same time to facilitate the repatriation processes where this is in our interest." Germany signed a similar agreement with Kenya on Friday (13 September).