ASTANA – More than 30 commercial agreements worth around $2 billion are expected to give new impetus to Kazakhstan-Germany relations, as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed expanding cooperation in industry, critical minerals, technology, transport and other strategic sectors on Sept. 29 in Berlin.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met in Berlin. Photo credit: Akorda
Expanding trade and investment
Germany is one of Kazakhstan’s key trading partners and a leading foreign investor. Bilateral trade reached $4.5 billion last year, up 13.4%, while cumulative German investment in Kazakhstan has reached $8 billion over the past 21 years, Akorda reported.
Tokayev and Merz identified significant potential for cooperation in industry, critical minerals, transport and logistics, digital technologies, machinery and chemical production, notably in areas involving high-value-added products.
The joint investment portfolio currently includes 40 industrial projects worth around $54 billion.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan attaches particular importance to creating favorable conditions for German investors.
“Ensuring the security of German investments is under our special control,” he said.
New commercial agreements
On the first day of President Tokayev’s visit, more than 30 commercial documents worth around $2 billion were signed.
Tokayev highlighted the role of the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Kazakhstan-German Business Council in advancing bilateral economic ties and supporting joint projects.
He said effective implementation of the newly reached agreements would strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
Cooperation in technology and industry
The talks placed particular emphasis on expanding cooperation beyond traditional trade into technology, industrial production and innovation.
Tokayev is also scheduled to visit Bavaria and attend the Kazakhstan-Bavarian Technology Forum, where they are expected to discuss further opportunities for technological and business cooperation.
President Tokayev said Germany’s industrial strength, scientific expertise and technological capabilities provide a strong basis for expanding bilateral cooperation.
Central Asia-Germany cooperation
Both leaders also discussed regional and international cooperation and agreed to intensify engagement through international organizations, including the Central Asia-Germany format.
Tokayev described Germany as a reliable strategic partner for Kazakhstan in Europe and noted that the two countries would mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
He said bilateral ties have expanded across political, economic, investment and cultural-humanitarian spheres since diplomatic relations were established.
Tokayev and Merz also discussed expanding cooperation in education, science and culture, including joint initiatives in these fields.
Kazakhstan’s position on international issues
The talks also covered regional and global developments.
Tokayev reiterated Kazakhstan’s position that conflicts should be resolved through peaceful and diplomatic means, with respect for the principles of the UN Charter and the territorial integrity of states.
During the press briefing, an ARD correspondent asked Tokayev about his earlier remarks on the war in Ukraine. Tokayev clarified that his proposal to freeze hostilities aimed to create conditions for a transition to diplomatic negotiations.
Merz invited to Kazakhstan
Following the talks, Tokayev invited Chancellor Merz to visit Kazakhstan on a state visit next year.
The invitation comes as Kazakhstan and Germany prepare to mark 35 years of diplomatic relations, with both officials expressing an intention to further expand their strategic partnership across economic, technological, scientific and humanitarian fields.
The same day, Tokayev held talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to discuss the development of bilateral relations and prospects for further cooperation.
