ASTANA: Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev participated in the C5+Germany dialogue, which brought together five Central Asian leaders and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on September 29 in Berlin, as reported by the Akorda press service.
Addressing the summit participants, Tokayev highlighted the potential of the dialogue initiative to enhance cooperation among countries, particularly focusing on priority areas. The President emphasized the prospects for trade and economic collaboration, the development of new transit and transport corridors, and cooperation in the energy sector.
Climate change and water issues were also prominent topics on the meeting agenda. The leaders discussed concerns related to melting glaciers and environmental changes in Central Asia, acknowledging the importance of Germany’s experience in addressing these challenges for the region.
The heads of state delved into discussions about the geopolitical situation surrounding Central Asia and the European Union (EU), including the current situation in Afghanistan. President Steinmeier noted that the Ukraine crisis significantly impacts the security of both the EU and Central Asia. In response, President Tokayev stressed the importance of diplomacy in finding mutually acceptable peaceful solutions and urged the parties to initiate substantive negotiations.
Furthermore, President Tokayev expressed support for expanding cultural and humanitarian ties between Central Asian countries and Germany. He advocated for the implementation of joint scientific and educational projects and programs to promote the study of the German language.
Other leaders who addressed the event included President Sadyr Zhaparov of the Kyrgyz Republic, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.
