A formal ceremony was held at the Akorda presidential residence to welcome German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is on an official visit to Kazakhstan. As part of the visit, Chancellor Scholz was introduced to members of the Kazakh and German delegations, received a ceremonial report from the honor guard, and both countries' national anthems were played.
Following the formalities, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chancellor Scholz engaged in talks in a narrow format. President Tokayev expressed gratitude for Scholz’s visit, noting its historic importance as it marks the first German government visit to Kazakhstan in 14 years.
“This visit is of great importance as it provides a significant boost to our cooperation and trade relations,” Tokayev said. “Germany is a crucial partner for us, and we are committed to deepening and strengthening our ties.”
Chancellor Scholz reciprocated the sentiment, thanking President Tokayev for his hospitality and highlighting the importance of advancing Kazakh-German relations.
“I am pleased to discuss our bilateral relations and promote further collaboration,” Scholz stated, pointing out the strong business delegation accompanying him.
The discussions covered a wide range of topics including political, trade, economic, cultural, and humanitarian issues. Special focus was given to energy and green transition, industry, mining, transport and logistics, climate change, ecology, agriculture, and education.
In response to Chancellor Scholz’s request, President Tokayev also shared Kazakhstan’s perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for careful consideration of peace initiatives and supported the peace plans proposed by China and Brazil. Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s sympathy for the Ukrainian people and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to peaceful relations and ongoing diplomatic engagement, including maintaining its embassy in Kyiv.
“Further escalation of the war will lead to irreparable consequences for all of humanity and, above all, for all countries directly involved in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Unfortunately, a good chance to achieve at least a truce was missed with the refusal to conclude the Istanbul Agreement. But the opportunity to achieve peace still exists. It is necessary to carefully consider all peace initiatives of various states and come to a decision to stop military action, and then move on to discussing territorial issues. In our opinion, the peace plan of China and Brazil deserves support. Heads of state come and go, but peoples, especially neighboring peoples, must live in peace and mutual understanding. Kazakhstan has the longest delimited land border with Russia in the world, cooperation between our countries is developing within the framework of strategic partnership and alliance. In Kazakhstan, there is genuine sympathy for the Ukrainian people, their unique culture. There have never been disagreements between our countries. The embassy of our country continues to function in Kyiv, the Head of our state stated,” Tokayev voiced.
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