On September 29, local time, German Chancellor Scholz held a meeting with the presidents of the five Central Asian countries in Berlin. The meeting discussed a series of topics, including bilateral relations, economic issues, and energy cooperation.
Scholz met with the presidents of five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan—at the Chancellery on the same day.
This is also the first time that the heads of the five Central Asian countries have met with the head of an EU member state in this joint format.
Screenshot of “European News Network” report
The day before, Scholz met alone with Kazakh President Tokayev. During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral relations, economic and energy cooperation and other issues.
Scholz said after concluding his meeting with Tokayev that Germany hopes Kazakhstan can expand energy supplies to Germany.
In December last year and in June this year, the EU held two leadership summits with Central Asian countries.
Cui Hongjian, professor at the Institute of Regional and Global Governance at Beijing Foreign Studies UniversityIn an interview with a reporter from China Central Radio and Television Station’s Global Information Broadcasting, the analysis concluded that geopolitical competition and energy security are the two main reasons why Germany hosted the meeting with the leaders of the five Central Asian countries.
According to the EU’s plan, after the Ukraine crisis is over, the EU will further exert its influence in Central Asia and help Germany and Europe further weaken Russia’s influence in the region. As Germany continues to reduce its energy dependence on Russia, Germany is now looking for energy alternatives in the Middle East, Norway and other places. Judging from the future situation, if Germany can continue to develop relations with Central Asian countries, the oil and gas resources of Central Asian countries can also become an important alternative for Germany to get rid of its energy dependence on Russia.
Screenshot of Barron’s website report
In fact, as early as October and November last year, when German Foreign Minister Berberk visited Central Asia, a German business delegation focusing on the energy and infrastructure fields followed him.
Cui Hongjian further analyzed and pointed out that using its own manufacturing and financial advantages to expand trade and investment in Central Asian countries is the most direct method that Germany can use. However, it will be quite difficult to achieve these goals in the future.
To strengthen ties with Central Asian countries, Germany’s first choice is to use economic means to invest in and deploy advanced manufacturing. In terms of energy, Germany will gradually promote cooperation with Central Asian countries in energy trade, oil and gas exploration and development, and the layout of new energy industries. However, in the context of current geopolitical changes, when Germany develops relations with Central Asian countries, it will also be affected by the relations between these countries and Russia. In addition, other European countries, including the United States and NATO, are also trying to exert influence in Central Asia. If Germany insists on using economic and energy means to develop relations with Central Asian countries, it will inevitably have certain conflicts with the United States and NATO’s political, security and military goals.
Screenshot of “Eurasian Intelligence Network” report
#Germany #promote #cooperation #Central #Asian #countries #rid #energy #dependence #Russia #International #Online
2023-09-30 09:41:32
