 |
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev attend a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, September 29, 2026 |
Berlin, Germany: German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said on Tuesday, September 29, that Germany wants to strengthen its economic and strategic relationship with Kazakhstan, with particular attention to resilient supply chains, energy cooperation and the development of the Middle Corridor.
Merz made the remarks during a joint press conference with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following their bilateral meeting. The discussions highlighted the growing importance of Kazakhstan as a partner for Germany and Europe, particularly in the areas of energy and transport.
According to Merz, building stronger ties with Kazakhstan would involve developing supply chains that can remain reliable despite disruptions in global trade. Germany is seeking to diversify its economic partnerships, while Kazakhstan is positioning itself as an important link between Europe and Asia.
"We want to further expand the Middle Corridor," Merz said during the press conference, pointing to the importance of the trans-Caspian transport route. The Middle Corridor connects China and Central Asia with Europe through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus before reaching European markets.
The route has attracted increased attention in recent years as countries look for alternative trade connections between Asia and Europe. Improving infrastructure along the corridor could help facilitate the movement of goods and strengthen commercial links between the participating countries.
Energy cooperation was another important part of the discussions between the two leaders. Kazakhstan is already a significant supplier of oil to Europe, and Merz noted the country's contribution to Europe's energy supply.
"Kazakhstan is already making a significant contribution to Europe’s oil supply today," Merz said.
President Tokayev indicated that Kazakhstan intends to increase the amount of oil it supplies to Germany. The statement comes as Kazakhstan continues to develop its energy sector and expand its role in international energy markets.
Kazakhstan is one of the world's major oil-producing countries. Its energy exports are an important source of revenue for the country's economy, while European countries have been looking to diversify their energy relationships and supply routes.
Reports by Russian news agency Interfax in mid-September said Kazakhstan expects its oil production to reach 96 million metric tons in 2027. Any increase in production could provide additional opportunities for Kazakhstan to expand exports to international markets, including Europe.
The proposed expansion of energy cooperation also reflects the broader economic relationship between Germany and Kazakhstan. Beyond oil, the two countries have potential areas of cooperation in transport, critical raw materials, industry and trade.
For Germany, Kazakhstan's geographical position makes it an important partner in efforts to strengthen connections with Central Asia. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, has sought closer economic engagement with European countries and greater integration into international trade networks.
The Middle Corridor could play a particularly important role in this relationship. Unlike traditional routes linking Asia and Europe through Russia, the trans-Caspian route passes through Kazakhstan and other countries in the region. It uses railways, roads and maritime connections across the Caspian Sea to transport goods toward Europe.
Expanding the corridor would require continued investment in ports, rail infrastructure, customs procedures and logistics systems. Improved coordination between countries along the route could also make transportation faster and more predictable.
The discussions between Merz and Tokayev therefore point to a relationship that extends beyond a single energy agreement. Both countries have an interest in strengthening trade and creating more reliable connections between Central Asia and Europe.
For Kazakhstan, closer cooperation with Germany could provide access to European investment, technology and markets. For Germany, stronger ties with Kazakhstan could support efforts to diversify sources of energy and raw materials while creating additional trade routes.
The talks also come at a time when international supply chains are facing growing pressure from geopolitical tensions, disruptions to transportation and changing energy markets. Against this background, reliable partnerships and alternative trade routes have become increasingly important to governments and businesses.
Merz's comments suggest that Germany sees Kazakhstan as a potentially important partner in this broader economic strategy. Tokayev's commitment to increasing oil supplies to Germany indicates that Kazakhstan is also interested in deepening the relationship.
The two countries' focus on energy and transport could therefore become important components of their future economic cooperation. While oil remains a central part of the relationship, the Middle Corridor offers an opportunity to develop wider commercial connections between Europe and Central Asia.
As infrastructure investment and trade links develop, Germany and Kazakhstan may look to expand cooperation into additional sectors. For now, the discussions between Merz and Tokayev underline the growing significance of Kazakhstan in Europe's efforts to strengthen supply chains and maintain diversified economic partnerships.
