The first meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Olaf Scholz resulted in adoption of a Joint Declaration.
Published on the official website of the Federal Government of Germany, the document, in particular, notes that the participants diverse and multi-faceted bilateral cooperation, as well as the German-Central Asian cooperation within the framework of the European Union (EU) and multilateral formats.
The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen further the German-Central Asian partnership based on shared values and mutual respect and interests and to continue the high-level dialogue.
The Leaders underlined the importance of combating illicit trafficking of drugs and their precursors and will consider the possibility of deepening cooperation in these fields.
The Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work together for peace, security, democracy, the rule of law and sustainable development in full respect of international law.
The Leaders emphasized the significance of close exchanges on sanctions regimes, including dialogue with the EU, and of further efforts to prevent the evasion of sanctions.
The Leaders reaffirmed their strong commitment to the development of Afghanistan as a secure, peaceful, stable and prosperous country that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghanistan citizens, in particular women, girls and ethnic groups.
The Leaders confirmed their interest in further expanding cooperation in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, combating human trafficking and further supporting civil society. They recalled the importance of women's rights and independent media.
The Leaders stressed the importance of further developing bilateral trade and investment cooperation between Germany and the Central Asian states.
The Leaders agreed on the continued importance of connectivity between the EU and Central Asia, including the “Middle Corridor” and underlined their objective to strengthen energy security and develop alternative energy supply routes, to promote sustainable and secure digitalization and digital sovereignty, to improve transport and transit connections and to move towards a green, sustainable, climate- and environment-friendly economy, agriculture, energy system and e-commerce.
They concurred to consolidate and upgrade the existing cooperation between Germany and the region, focusing on four areas: economy, energy and natural resources; regional cooperation and resilience; climate and environment; and people to people contacts.
The Leaders agreed to promote further contacts and welcomed the proposal to organize the next meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Federal Chancellor of Germany in Central Asia in 2024.
