Germany seals migration agreement with Uzbekistan during Scholz visit

16 Sep, 2024

Germany seals migration agreement with Uzbekistan during Scholz visit

Germany and Uzbekistan have signed a significant agreement aimed at enhancing cooperation on migration and labor mobility, alongside other important accords. These agreements, signed during Chancellor Olaf Scholz's visit to Uzbekistan, are designed to foster deeper collaboration in sectors such as critical raw materials, particularly copper. Scholz emphasized that both countries would benefit economically by working together in various technological fields, building stronger ties and advancing mutual interests.

The migration agreement is expected to help Germany attract skilled workers from Uzbekistan, addressing a persistent labor shortfall in the country. Furthermore, it establishes mechanisms for returning migrants who do not meet the requirements to stay. Scholz also pointed to the wider efforts to strengthen Germany's relationships with Central Asian nations, diversifying its sources of energy and raw materials, reducing reliance on countries like Russia and China.

In addition to the migration pact, Germany and Uzbekistan also agreed on joint cooperation in areas such as veterinary medicine, livestock farming, sustainable water resources, and transport, with a focus on high-speed rail travel. Scholz’s visit signals a growing emphasis on Central Asian partnerships to boost industrial, environmental, and energy-related collaborations.