The first summit of this format was held on September 28-30, 2023 in Germany. The Head of our state took part in the event as part of his working visit to Germany.

The initiative to launch the FRG-Central Asia dialogue platform was put forward by German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz in early 2023. This initiative was a confirmation of Berlin's growing interest in the region in view of strengthening its economic and political potential, achieved thanks to the efforts undertaken by the President of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian leaders to build good-neighborly and friendly relations in Central Asia.

The main purpose of the format is to expand political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation, energy and raw materials partnership, and expand cultural and humanitarian exchanges between Germany and the countries of the region. The launch of the dialogue was an important practical step in promoting Berlin's policy and the EU Strategy for Central Asia, adopted in 2007 during the German presidency of the EU, and updated in 2019 also on the initiative of Germany.

According to German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, this platform is timely and relevant, and serves as a platform for discussing priority issues of interregional cooperation. It allows us to specify practical measures to support the sustainable economic growth of the participating countries and strengthen interstate economic ties, taking into account common aspects, as well as national characteristics and interests of each country.

Taking into account the growing role of our region, Berlin has put forward an initiative to establish a regional strategic partnership between Germany and Central Asia, which was recorded in a Joint statement signed following the first summit of the format.

At the first summit, priority areas of cooperation between Central Asia and Germany were identified. Among them are the development of investment, innovation and technological ties and exchanges, the introduction of renewable energy sources, deep processing of raw materials, strengthening transport and communication interconnectedness, promoting the "green" agenda, training specialists for various industries in accordance with advanced German standards.

The leaders of the Central Asian countries supported the proposal of the German side to establish a Strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany, holding regular meetings and consultations in this format.

It is worth noting that the new dynamics of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany in the political, trade, economic and investment spheres, the development of close intercultural and humanitarian ties, undoubtedly contribute to the qualitative filling of the agenda of German-Central Asian cooperation and, as a result, the strengthening of regional identity and the perception of Central Asia as a promising and long-term strategic partner.

Germany's active involvement in cooperation in the Central Asia Plus format is expected to contribute to reaching a new level of integration of our dynamically developing region into the system of international relations and world economic relations.

IA "Dunyo".

Photo from the archive of the press service of the President of Uzbekistan.