President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon invited Germany to participate in the construction project of the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station. The proposal was made in the context of expanding bilateral relations, which were discussed on September 17 during a meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Astana, the press service of the President of Tajikistan reports.
Their meeting and negotiations took place within the framework of the "Central Asia - Germany" summit, which was attended by the heads of state from all Central Asian countries.
"Emomali Rahmon expressed his gratitude for Germany's contribution to the construction of the 'Tajikistan' and 'Sebzor' power plants in Badakhshan, as well as the modernization of the Nurek Hydroelectric Power Station, and expressed confidence that this experience could continue with the construction of the Rogun power station," the statement reads.
Among the promising areas mentioned were the extraction and processing of minerals, especially rare earth metals, the expansion of bilateral cooperation in industry and agriculture, and the export of products from Tajikistan to Germany.
Olaf Scholz stated that Germany is interested in cooperation with Tajikistan in the energy sector, including hydropower and other "green" energy sources, mining, environmental protection, and security issues.
"We encourage cooperation with Tajikistan by large German companies," Scholz emphasized in his speech.
In addition, the parties discussed global issues such as climate change, glacier melting, and food security, as well as opportunities for expanding educational cooperation between the two countries.
At the end of the meeting, President Rahmon invited Chancellor Scholz to visit Tajikistan on an official visit.
Speaking at the summit, Emomali Rahmon expressed confidence that "the continuation of dialogue between Central Asia and Germany will contribute to joint efforts in identifying promising areas for multilateral cooperation and achieving practical results."
Rahmon also emphasized his readiness to continue close cooperation with partners to achieve a strategic partnership between Central Asia and Germany. The importance of balanced trade, economic, and investment cooperation was identified as one of the top priorities.
The President of Tajikistan noted the potential of Tajikistan's hydropower resources for green energy production and stressed the need to expand cooperation with partners, including Germany, to address global issues such as climate change and its consequences.
The importance of fruitful cooperation for ensuring security and stability in the region and the world was highlighted. In his speech, President Rahmon also touched on issues of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, education, and workforce training.
At the conclusion of the summit, a joint declaration was adopted by the heads of state of Central Asia and Germany.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
September 17, 2024