Scholz: Strengthening Ties with Central Asia a ‘Strategic Goal’ for Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized that deepening relations with Central Asia is now a "strategic goal for Germany," as he continued his visit to Kazakhstan during a regional summit. This move signals a significant shift in Germany's foreign policy, aimed at broadening its global partnerships and reducing dependency on any single power.

During a speech in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital, Scholz highlighted the growing exchange between Germany and the Central Asian nations, noting that this collaboration is set to expand across political, economic, and cultural lines. "Never before has the exchange between our societies been so close – and it is constantly increasing: politically, economically, and culturally. We want to continue and further intensify this," Scholz remarked, stressing the importance of building strong international connections, particularly in times of global uncertainty.

Scholz's visit comes on the back of establishing a strategic partnership last year with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. These five Central Asian republics, all former Soviet states, are key players in a region that holds immense geopolitical and economic potential. For Germany, fostering deeper relationships with these nations is not just about trade, but also about securing new, trusted allies amidst a world increasingly defined by power struggles and supply chain disruptions.

"Especially in times of global uncertainty, we need close, trusting international partners," Scholz said, reinforcing Germany's commitment to the region at a time when global politics are more volatile than ever. Central Asia, positioned between two major powers – Russia and China – offers a unique opportunity for Germany to diversify its foreign and economic relations.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev acknowledged that energy cooperation is at the heart of Kazakhstan's relationship with Germany. Kazakhstan, already Germany’s third-largest supplier of oil, has invited German companies to explore new opportunities in its rich deposits of rare earths, metals, and lithium. These elements are critical to global supply chains, especially as the world transitions to greener technologies.

Lithium, in particular, plays a vital role in the production of batteries, including those used for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. As Europe continues to push for more sustainable energy sources, securing stable access to lithium and rare earth elements has become a strategic priority. Germany sees Kazakhstan as a key partner in these efforts. “Kazakhstan is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition, and Germany is keen to cooperate on renewable energy and the production of green hydrogen,” Scholz stated.

The backdrop to Scholz’s visit is Germany's ongoing efforts to recalibrate its foreign economic policy following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. For decades, Germany was heavily reliant on Russia for energy, particularly natural gas. The war in Ukraine and the subsequent sanctions on Russia have upended that relationship, plunging Germany into an energy crisis marked by skyrocketing prices.

Germany is now rethinking its over-reliance on any single country for critical resources. This also includes China, which has been another major partner. However, concerns have grown over the risks of depending too much on one power, especially as tensions between China and the West continue to rise. "The lessons learned from our energy crisis with Russia are clear: Germany must diversify its supply chains and partnerships to avoid similar vulnerabilities," Scholz reiterated.

The five Central Asian republics, which collectively have a population of just under 80 million, cover a landmass equivalent to the entire European Union. Despite their close historical ties with Russia, these nations are increasingly looking westward to reduce their reliance on Moscow. This makes them attractive partners for Germany and other Western nations seeking to balance relations with Russia and China.

Germany’s increasing focus on Central Asia is part of a broader foreign policy strategy to cultivate new relationships with countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Central Asia, with its vast energy resources, abundant minerals, and strategic location, is a critical component of this strategy.

In addition to oil, Kazakhstan is a major producer of uranium, iron ore, zinc, copper, and gold. Scholz also identified the region as a potential partner for the production of green hydrogen, a fuel considered vital for achieving climate goals in the coming decades. Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is seen as a promising alternative to fossil fuels and is key to Europe’s ambitious plans for a sustainable energy future.

Germany’s outreach to Central Asia underscores a broader shift in its foreign policy, one that prioritizes reducing dependencies and building resilient partnerships across the globe. Central Asia offers a blend of geopolitical stability, economic opportunities, and resources critical for the future, positioning the region as a key player in Germany's strategy moving forward.

For Germany, the partnership with Central Asia is about more than just economic benefits – it’s about securing allies in a rapidly changing global landscape. As the world becomes increasingly multipolar, countries like Germany will need to forge new relationships to ensure they can weather geopolitical storms. Scholz's visit to Kazakhstan and his vision for deeper ties with Central Asia mark the beginning of a new era in German foreign policy, one that is more diversified, resilient, and forward-looking.

Germany's strategic push to deepen relations with Central Asia is not only about securing resources and energy supplies but also about forging trusted international partnerships in an uncertain world. With its rich resources and strategic location, Central Asia is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in Germany’s economic and political future. As Germany reduces its reliance on traditional partners like Russia and China, the republics of Central Asia are set to become key allies in a new era of global cooperation.

By focusing on partnerships with these nations, Germany is taking a proactive approach to diversifying its economic and geopolitical alliances, ensuring it remains resilient in the face of global uncertainty. The deepening of these ties could have far-reaching consequences for both Germany and Central Asia, shaping the future of European and Asian collaboration.