Uzbekistan and Germany are creating a completely new model of multifaceted cooperation

The system of modern international relations is changing rapidly. The interconnectedness of states is increasing. In such conditions, Uzbekistan's foreign policy strategy is achieving great results with its openness, consistency and pragmatic nature.

Today, our country is establishing mutually beneficial relations not only with its close neighbors, but also with the world's leading development centers. One of such reliable, time-tested and high-tech partners is the Federal Republic of Germany.

In recent years, our relations with this country, which is considered one of the leading countries of the European Union, have reached a completely new level.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany has its own history of development. This country was one of the first to recognize the independence of our country and establish diplomatic relations. Over the past period, a solid institutional foundation has been formed, covering the political, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

In particular, in recent years, regular and consistent dialogues at the highest level have given a completely new impetus to bilateral relations.

The economies of Uzbekistan and Germany are complementary, that is, synergistic. At a time when our country is striving to increase its export potential, export local products to European markets and diversify production, Germany is the most suitable partner with its advanced technologies, innovative developments and high-quality equipment.

Today, many modern enterprises are operating in our country with the participation of German investment and capital. German companies bring not only funds to the Uzbek market, but also a new corporate management culture and high technologies. This makes it possible to increase the range of competitive products in the domestic market and create highly profitable jobs.

Relations are not limited to numbers, factories or trade turnover. At the heart of this cooperation, first of all, is the human factor and the cultural and humanitarian ties between our peoples. The sphere of education and science has become the most active and vibrant direction of bilateral relations.

The high-ranking guest first laid a wreath at the foot of the Independence Monument in the "New Uzbekistan" park, paying tribute to this magnificent complex, which embodies the noble aspirations of our people for a free and prosperous life.

After that, an official welcoming ceremony for the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, took place at the Kuksaroy residence.

An honor guard lined up in the square in front of the residence. The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev warmly welcomed the high-ranking guest and invited him to the podium.

The national anthems of Uzbekistan and Germany were played. The leaders walked past the honor guard and introduced the members of the official delegations to each other.

At the end of the ceremony, a joint photo was taken, and then high-level negotiations began.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier held talks in a narrow circle and with the participation of official delegations at the Kuksaroy residence.

The meeting considered the main issues of further developing Uzbek-German cooperation, strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

The President of Uzbekistan especially recognized the personal contribution of the President of Germany to the consistent development of relations between his country and the European Union with Uzbekistan and the countries of Central Asia, as well as to promoting mutually beneficial interregional cooperation.

It was noted with satisfaction that the bilateral dialogue has become more intensive and relations between the countries have reached a high level. There is a steady positive trend in trade and investment cooperation. According to the results of last year, the volume of mutual trade turnover exceeded $ 1.4 billion, and in the first half of this year it increased by another 5%. The volume of German investments in the economy of Uzbekistan will reach $ 2 billion in 2025.

Special attention was paid to the significance of the German Economy Days and the tenth meeting of the German-Uzbek Business Council held in Tashkent in May. As a result of the events, a package of new investment and trade agreements worth $1 billion was signed.

Cultural and humanitarian ties are steadily strengthening. Today, more than 400,000 young people in Uzbekistan are learning German, and more than 2,000 students are studying at leading German universities. Last year, the first forum of universities of the two countries was held.

Last week, an Uzbekistan-German cooperation project was launched in Samarkand with a consortium of German universities The signing of the agreement on the establishment of the University of Sciences was an important step in the development of cooperation in the field of education.

The heads of state noted that both sides are interested in further expanding cooperation in the areas of industry, energy and the "green" economy, transport and logistics, mining, textiles, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, education and healthcare.

The leaders welcomed the launch of new joint projects and programs in the fields of automotive manufacturing, household chemical production, logistics and training of qualified personnel. The holding of the second University Forum and the third Uzbekistan-Germany Medical Forum in Tashkent was supported.

The parties also exchanged views on pressing issues of the regional and international agenda and discussed the prospects for cooperation in multilateral arenas, including within the framework of the "Central Asia-Germany" format.

It was expressed confidence that this visit of the Federal President of Germany will mark a new stage in the development of bilateral relations and will serve to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in all aspects of relations.

The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier adopted a Joint Statement following the talks, confirming their commitment to further strengthening multifaceted cooperation.

The heads of state also warmly welcomed representatives of leading German companies implementing joint projects in Uzbekistan and planning to launch new ones.

A ceremony of exchanging bilateral documents was also held. Agreements on financial cooperation were signed, providing for the allocation of grant funds and preferential financing for the implementation of projects for the sustainable development of cities in Uzbekistan.

A number of joint investment and education projects were launched in the presence of the leaders of the two countries. These include projects such as organizing a large-scale assembly of Volkswagen cars in Tashkent, building a logistics center in the Andijan region, producing liquid household detergents, training specialists for the railway sector, and opening modern examination centers.

The implementation of these initiatives will serve to expand industrial cooperation, develop infrastructure, create new jobs, and further strengthen the partnership between Uzbekistan and Germany.

At the end of the high-level Uzbek-German talks, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in a tree planting ceremony.

The tree planted in the Alley of Honored Guests at the Kuksaroy residence will become a symbol of the growing bonds of friendship, trust, and mutual understanding between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Germany, and will symbolize the beginning of a new stage in the history of bilateral relations.

The official visit of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to Uzbekistan continues.

Ziyodulla JONIBEKOV,

Ikrom AVVALBOEV,

UzA correspondents