Germany is actively seeking new sources of raw materials in Central Asia, a strategic region rich in natural resources.
This move comes against a geopolitical backdrop marked by the weakening of Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine, and the need for Germany to diversify its energy supplies.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently stressed the importance of strengthening the energy partnership with Uzbekistan, a country that could play a key role in this strategy.
Germany, historically dependent on Russian resources, is looking to build stronger relations with Central Asian countries, notably Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
These nations possess significant reserves of oil, gas and critical minerals, essential for German industry.
Scholz has stated that the aim is to “jointly develop opportunities in the raw materials sector”, an initiative that has also attracted the interest of other major powers such as France and the UK.
Strategic partnerships and industrial development
The partnership between Germany and Uzbekistan is not limited to the supply of raw materials.
It also encompasses industrial development projects, particularly in the chemical and green energy sectors.
The Uzbek presidential administration has made it clear that the participation of German companies in the development of critical mineral deposits and their processing is a priority.
This cooperation aims to establish a mutually beneficial framework, enabling Uzbekistan to modernize its industrial sector while providing Germany with essential resources.
The current dynamics in Central Asia are also influenced by competition between several international players.
The European Union, China, Turkey and Iran are all seeking to strengthen their ties with the former Soviet republics, which are at the heart of a crucial transport axis between Asia and Europe.
This competition for natural resources and trade routes underlines the region’s strategic importance in the global economic context.
Sustainable energy and geopolitical issues
One of the most promising aspects of this cooperation is the possibility of exporting sustainable energy, such as hydrogen, from Central Asia to Europe.
This type of energy, with its limited environmental impact, could become a key element in Europe’s energy transition.
However, the implementation of such projects requires considerable investment and adequate infrastructure.
Discussions around these initiatives are therefore crucial to the future of energy relations between Germany and the countries of Central Asia.
At the same time, Chancellor Scholz expressed concern about the transparency of trade.
He insisted on the need to ensure that these exchanges are not used to circumvent international sanctions, particularly those imposed on Russia.
This vigilance is all the more important in a context where Central Asian states are sometimes suspected of re-exporting sanctioned goods to Russia.
Human rights considerations
The NGO Human Rights has also drawn attention to the need to improve the human rights situation in Central Asia.
Although these issues are often regarded as secondary in the context of economic relations, they are essential to establishing a sustainable and ethical partnership.
Governments in the region, often perceived as authoritarian, need to be encouraged to respect fundamental rights, which could also facilitate trade and build trust between partners.
The “5+1” summit to be attended by the German Chancellor represents an important step in strengthening relations between Germany and the countries of Central Asia.
This type of meeting provides an opportunity to discuss economic, energy and political issues, while fostering constructive dialogue on sensitive issues such as human rights.
The cooperation between Germany and Uzbekistan could thus serve as a model for other partnerships in the region.
Recent developments in Central Asia illustrate the evolution of international relations against a backdrop of geopolitical change.
In seeking to diversify its sources of supply, Germany is part of a dynamic that could redefine regional balances.
Economic, energy and political issues are closely intertwined, and the way in which these relations develop over the coming years will have significant implications for the region as a whole.
