Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 27 September, Uzbek delegation consisting of representatives of the ISMI under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Development Strategy Center, MICA and NCHR held meetings at the Eastern Committee of the German Economy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Center for Eastern European and International Studies. The meetings were organized with the assistance of the Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Berlin and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

Within the framework of the events, a thorough exchange of views took place on the development of bilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany, including in the context of the current situation in Afghanistan.

The German side was informed about the course of the election campaign of the upcoming presidential elections in Uzbekistan, the results of large-scale socio-economic reforms in our country, as well as the policy pursued by Tashkent to build mutually beneficial relations in the region and the political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan.

Informative conversations with German politicians and experts indicate a high interest in Berlin in the dynamic development of Uzbekistan, transformations in political and economic life, and the country's pragmatic course in foreign policy. In particular, the German side stated that Germany highly appreciates the policy of democratic reforms and economic modernization being implemented in Uzbekistan, the course of the President of Uzbekistan to strengthen good-neighborliness and mutually beneficial cooperation in Central Asia.

At a meeting with the Uzbek delegation, Executive Director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy Michael Harms supported the comprehensive nature of socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, praised the conditions created for doing business and investment activities.

He stressed that this is not only his opinion, but also the assessment of many German entrepreneurs. Thanks to concrete practical measures to liberalize the economy, German business circles are now showing great interest in the implementation of new projects in Uzbekistan.

Michael Harms highlighted the dynamic pace of industrialization of the economy of Uzbekistan and welcomed Tashkent's plans to accelerate the transition to a green and digital economy.

At the same time, he noted the important role of Tashkent in ensuring sustainable development and stability in Central Asia, which meets the interests of Germany. In his words, the Central Asian region will always remain the priority of the FRG's policy. As promising areas of mutually beneficial cooperation, he identified cooperation in the field of chemical, electrical, agricultural, automotive mining, mechanical engineering, green and digital economy, and the development of transport connectivity.

The situation in Afghanistan is aroused by the increased interest of the German side. During the conversation, the director of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy supported the constructive and pragmatic position of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev in this country.

At the same time, he stressed that Germany highly appreciated the significant assistance provided by Uzbekistan in the evacuation of German citizens from Afghanistan. In his words, this became a clear proof that Tashkent is a reliable partner of Berlin in Central Asia.

During the talks at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Commissioner for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia Matthias Luttenberg noted the significant strengthening of Uzbek-German relations in recent years. He pointed to the systemic nature of the dialogue and high trust between the leaders of Germany and Uzbekistan, which indicates high support in Berlin for the reforms carried out by Tashkent.

The Foreign Ministry of Germany is very positive about the policy of openness and good-neighborliness of Tashkent in the region. In this vein, Matthias Luttenberg highlighted the pragmatic approach of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, noting that his policy in this direction is built on the basis of the existing vast experience and colossal knowledge. According to him, Berlin is interested in continuing to coordinate the Afghan policy with Tashkent.

Executive Director of the Center for East European and International Studies, Christian Scheikh, highlighted the efforts of Uzbekistan to promote a coordinated regional approach to Afghanistan, which is important for the further stability and economic development of Central Asia. He stated that Uzbekistan's position on Afghanistan is optimal and meets the interests of all countries in the region.

In addition, special attention was paid to the developing socio-economic situation in Afghanistan. According to experts, the current difficult situation in this country indicates the need for regular humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Noting the efforts of Uzbekistan to restore the Afghan economy, experts stressed that the constructive policy of Tashkent on Afghanistan should serve as an example for the international community.

The visit of the Uzbek delegation to Germany continues. According to the program, meetings with the departments of the Federal Chancellor and the Federal President, as well as a conference at the Academy of the Konrad Adenuer Foundation and the "round table" at the German Institute for International Politics will be held.