Presidents of Uzbekistan and Germany hold talks, sign agreements

The Head of the state sincerely congratulated the President and people of Germany on the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Basic Law and establishment of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Federal President of Germany thanked Uzbekistan’s leader for the invitation to visit our country and the warm welcome. Frank-Walter Steinmeier expressed gratitude for the congratulations and the joint activities held in Tashkent in connection with important events.

The sides thoroughly discussed during negotiations the issues of further expanding political, trade, economic, investment, financial, technical, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as those in the international and regional agendas.

Uzbekistan and Germany have maintained steadfast political dialogue. Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited Uzbekistan in 2006 and 2016 as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany. The official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Germany in January 2019 opened a new page in development of interstate relations.

At the meeting at Kuksaroy residence, the important role of the two parliaments was noted in supporting multidimensional cooperation and sharing experience. Uzbekistan – Germany Law Forum that took place on May 23 in Tashkent proved rather useful in this respect.

The parties assessed the current state of trade and economic interaction and identified priority areas for its expansion. It was noted that in 2018 the trade turnover grew by 25% and exceeded 770 million dollars. Following the January summit meetings, more and more of German companies have been showing practical interest in Uzbekistan market. Measures have been analyzed and identified for the elaboration and acceleration of joint investment projects and programs.

The two countries closely cooperate within the framework of international institutions. Uzbekistan supports Germany’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Berlin appreciates Tashkent’s efforts to bolster stability in the region, promote the peace process in Afghanistan, and overcome the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster.

The parties expressed shared willingness to continue with providing mutual support within the framework of international organizations. Issues of interaction in Uzbekistan – European Union format were also discussed.

The two sides considered issues of combating terrorism and extremism, building up security cooperation. The Presidents welcomed the launch of the mechanism of Uzbekistan – Germany consultations on Afghanistan to promote socio-economic, investment and infrastructure projects in that country.

The negotiations helped reaffirm Uzbekistan and Germany’s mutual commitment to the development of full-scale cooperation, as well as the proximity and coincidence of positions on all issues discussed.

The Presidents express satisfaction with negotiations

Following the talks, the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Germany attended a ceremony of signing bilateral documents.

Agreements have been signed on the exchange and protection of information, cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation to climate change, launch of production of commercial vehicles in cooperation with Volkswagen, and others. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that these documents, especially the agreement between the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan and the German companies Integra GmbH and Vamed Engineering GmbH on establishment of the Center for Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy in Tashkent, are quite important for our people.

At a briefing for representatives of mass media, the two sides informed that the negotiations were held in a traditionally friendly and open atmosphere, in the spirit of mutual understanding, and that they resulted in important agreements.

“I am quite satisfied with the outcomes of today’s talks, which became a logical continuation of our meeting that took place in Berlin earlier in January,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. “We have thoroughly considered almost every area of bilateral cooperation, including political dialogue, inter-parliamentary relations, trade and economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian interaction and much more. We’ve discussed the current state of Uzbekistan – Germany relations and identified priorities and objectives for the future.”

“We have been observing the political, economic and social growth in Uzbekistan with great sympathy and respect. Our current visit as a large delegation is indicative of our desire to enhance cooperation. We are pleased with the results of the negotiations, during which we’ve discussed a wide range of issues regarding bilateral relations and cooperation through the European Union,” Frank-Walter Steinmeier suggested.