Leaflet via Press Service of the President of Kazakhstan/REUTERS Prime Minister and his friends (Astana, September 17, 2024)
Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants to further expand Germany’s ties with Central Asia, labeling the project an important “strategic goal.” “Especially in times of global uncertainty, we need close and reliable international partners,” Scholz explained at the “Z5 plus 1” summit in the Kazakh capital Astana on Tuesday. “Z5 plus 1” refers to a meeting between the five Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) and the Federal Republic. The first summit of this format took place in Berlin about a year ago. While the Central Asian countries primarily want to diversify their economic relations (Russia and China dominate the region), the federal government is trying to curb Moscow’s influence. It is also seeking better access to Central Asia’s rich raw materials reserves.
Specifically, the summit was about expanding the Middle Corridor, a shipping route from China to Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus. The northern route via Russia has been used much more for trade, as it has been available only to a limited extent due to Western sanctions. Further expansion of trade via the Middle Corridor has so far failed, mainly due to lack of infrastructure. Plans to expand it are currently being developed in Astana. Chancellor Scholz met with Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdymukhamedov on the sidelines of the summit on Tuesday, after meeting with the presidents of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan on Sunday and Monday, respectively. He is in the process of renewing his country’s infrastructure. This is generating lucrative orders.
According to reports, Chancellor Scholz also demanded at the summit that exports to Russia that run counter to Western sanctions be halted in the future. On the other hand, some Central Asian presidents voiced support for resuming relations with Afghanistan. Scholz rejected this on grounds of human and women’s rights.
