The President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on June 17 and held talks with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The discussions focused on further advancing Uzbek-German cooperation, strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties, and enhancing cultural and humanitarian exchanges.
The parties expressed satisfaction with the intensive nature of bilateral dialogue and the high level of contacts between the two countries. Trade and investment cooperation continues to demonstrate strong momentum. Bilateral trade exceeded $1.4 billion last year and has grown by a further 5 percent since the beginning of this year, while German investment in Uzbekistan’s economy has reached $2 billion.
The leaders also highlighted the outcomes of the Days of German Economy and the 10th meeting of the German-Uzbek Business Council held in Tashkent in May. The events resulted in the signing of a package of investment and trade agreements worth more than $1 billion.
Cultural and humanitarian ties continue to strengthen. Today, more than 400,000 young people in Uzbekistan study the German language, while over 2,000 students are studying at leading German universities.
An important step in the development of educational cooperation was the signing last week of an agreement with a consortium of German universities to establish the Uzbek-German University of Applied Sciences in Samarkand.
The leaders welcomed the launch of new joint projects and programs in the automotive industry, household chemicals production, logistics, and the training of qualified personnel.
The two leaders witnessed the launch of a number of joint investment and educational projects, including the establishment of a semi-knocked-down assembly plant for Volkswagen vehicles in Tashkent, the construction of a logistics center in the Andijan region, the production of liquid household detergents, the training of specialists for the railway industry, and the opening of modern examination centers.
Photo: president.uz
