German Chancellor Seeks New Energy Partnerships in Central Asia

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ventures to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan seeking new energy and minerals partnerships after the Ukraine war disrupted traditional supply routes. Germany has already secured Kazakh oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline. The visit aims to solidify collaborations in energy, logistics, and education.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz embarks on his first visit to Central Asia this Sunday, focusing on Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to seek out new markets and sources of energy and minerals in the aftermath of the Ukraine war.

Scholz has already secured some key deals, including Kazakh crude flowing through the Druzhba pipeline since last year, maintaining operations at Berlin's Schwedt refinery after EU sanctions on Moscow led to a drop in Russian supplies. 'This marked a completely new direction in bilateral cooperation, as no Kazakh oil had previously flowed through this pipeline,' a Kazakh government official stated.

Scholz's visit is expected to provide insight into the future direction of Germany's relationship with Central Asia. Kazakhstan has over two trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, and many German companies have reestablished their sales offices and operations in the region after shutting down businesses in Russia. Contracts in sectors such as chemicals, skilled labor, renewable energy, logistics, and education are anticipated to be signed during this trip.

(With inputs from agencies.)