Germany Eyes Central Asia Amid EU Sanctions Speculation

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul will engage with his Central Asian counterparts in a high-stakes meeting in Berlin, tackling key issues such as energy partnerships and the circumvention of Russian sanctions. The meeting comes as the 20th EU sanctions package against Russia looms, which could involve some Central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan for the first time.

The invasion of Ukraine has significantly increased Germany's trade volume with countries like Kyrgyzstan. Wadephul's meeting with the foreign ministers of Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan underscores the strategic importance of these nations in Germany's foreign policy.

While the spokesperson refrained from confirming Germany's stance on potential EU sanctions, they emphasized the growing importance of Central Asian states. Critical issues on the agenda include energy diversification, resource security, climate change, and dealing with Russian sanctions circumvention. The German economy's interest in raw materials from Kazakhstan further highlights the regional significance.