Uzbekistan strengthened its strategic and economic partnership with Germany during Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov’s visit to Berlin on February 11–12, holding high-level talks with German and EU officials.
Together with counterparts from Central Asia, Saidov met German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss expanding regional cooperation and deepening ties. On behalf of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Saidov conveyed appreciation for Germany’s support of Central Asia, noting Berlin’s key role in shaping EU policy toward the region, including through the EU Strategy for Central Asia.
Economic cooperation featured prominently during talks with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche. According to Saidov, bilateral trade has doubled in recent years, while the joint investment portfolio exceeds $10bn. The sides discussed expanding cooperation in green energy, industry, critical raw materials and workforce mobility, agreeing to intensify trade and investment dialogue ahead of upcoming business events.
In a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, the parties reviewed progress in their strategic partnership and discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, energy and regional stability. They also highlighted the role of mechanisms such as the Uzbekistan–Germany Business Council and upcoming bilateral summits in boosting economic ties.
Saidov also met Eduards Stiprais, EU Special Representative for Central Asia, noting that the Samarkand and Brussels summits marked a new stage in Uzbekistan–EU strategic relations. The sides discussed preparations for the first Central Asia–EU Inter-Parliamentary Summit in Samarkand and welcomed the opening of the European Investment Bank’s regional representation in Tashkent as a step toward stronger investment cooperation.
During the visit, Berlin hosted the first-ever ministerial meeting in the “Central Asia – Germany” format. Officials described the launch of the mechanism as a milestone aimed at giving the partnership a more systematic and practical framework, with a focus on investment, technology, green energy, climate cooperation, transport connectivity and logistics.
The meetings are expected to lay the groundwork for substantive outcomes at the next Central Asia–Germany Summit and further strengthen Uzbekistan–Germany relations across political and economic spheres.
Earlier, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Germany had stated that visa-free travel to the EU for Uzbek citizens remains a complex process and noted Germany’s increasing demand for foreign labour amid demographic challenges, highlighting potential areas for expanded workforce cooperation.
