Kazakhstan and Germany discuss strengthening bilateral ties, with President Tokayev and German leaders focusing on trade, investment, energy, transport, critical minerals, digitalisation, education and industrial cooperation.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev holds separate meetings with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation across economic and strategic sectors.
During his meeting with Steinmeier, Tokayev describes Germany as a key strategic partner for Kazakhstan in Europe and highlights the development of bilateral cooperation based on mutual trust, respect and shared interests. The two leaders also note that 2027 marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Germany.
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Following their talks, Tokayev and Steinmeier sign a joint declaration reaffirming their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport, digitalisation and education. The declaration also supports closer engagement through international organisations and the Central Asia-Germany format.
In his meeting with Chancellor Merz, Tokayev discusses opportunities to expand economic cooperation, particularly in industry, critical minerals, transport and logistics, digital technologies, machinery and chemical manufacturing. Both sides also examine opportunities for producing higher-value-added goods and strengthening industrial partnerships.
Tokayev notes that Germany remains one of Kazakhstan’s important trading partners and foreign investors. Bilateral trade reaches $4.5 billion in 2025, representing a 13.4% increase from the previous year, while German investment in Kazakhstan totals about $8 billion over 21 years. The countries’ joint investment portfolio includes 40 industrial projects valued at approximately $54 billion.
The Kazakh president also assures German counterparts that Kazakhstan will support the security of German investments. The two sides highlight the role of the intergovernmental working group and the Kazakh-German Business Council in advancing economic cooperation.
The discussions also cover cooperation in education, science and culture. Kazakhstan and Germany agree to strengthen engagement through international organisations and the Central Asia-Germany framework.
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The visit comes ahead of the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations and forms part of Kazakhstan’s efforts to deepen its partnership with Germany. The two countries also reaffirm the importance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport and other areas of mutual interest.
Tokayev also invites Chancellor Merz to make a state visit to Kazakhstan. The latest high-level meetings provide a platform for both countries to review existing cooperation and identify additional areas for economic and institutional engagement.