ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 12. Central
Asian nations discussed regional cooperation, economic development,
and transport accessibility with Germany within the framework of
the Z5+1 initiative,
Trend reports via the German MFA.
The discussions took place during a meeting held on February 11,
2026, in Berlin, between the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the Deputy Foreign Minister of
Turkmenistan, and Germany’s Foreign Minister.
The primary objective of the meeting was to strengthen the
strategic, political, and economic relations between Germany, the
European Union, and Central Asia.
The talks focused particularly on energy security,
transportation, and trade links, with the ministers exploring
avenues to increase investment, foster joint projects, and enhance
the value of business cooperation between Germany and the
region.
In parallel to the ministerial meeting, an economic forum
organized by the German Eastern Business Association featured the
participation of nearly 30 German business representatives. The
forum underscored the potential for collaborative projects,
investment opportunities, and sustainable economic cooperation in
sectors such as energy, raw materials, transportation, and
infrastructure.
The meeting further emphasized Central Asia's strategic
importance as a key partner for Europe. Participants reaffirmed
Germany’s Strategic Regional Partnership with the region, initiated
in 2023, and underscored the continued focus on collaborative
efforts in climate, environmental, and people-to-people
initiatives. The EU Special Representative for Central Asia was
also present, emphasizing alignment with the EU's Team Europe
approach to regional coordination.
The Z5+1 ministers reiterated their commitment to ongoing
dialogue and cooperation across political, economic, and security
domains. They also agreed to continue preparations for the
forthcoming summit within the partnership framework.
