Addendum to Scholz's visit: Senator Bolgert highlights Kazakh-German relations and a strong German community

ASTANA – Evgeny Bolgert, member of the Kazakh Senate and chairman of the Revival Association of Germans in Kazakhstan, discussed the role of the German community in maintaining and strengthening Kazakh-German relations in an interview with Astana Times following the recent event visit of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Astana and memoranda signed.

Evgeniy Bolgert. Photo credits:wiedernatal-kasachstan.de

Bolgert emphasized that there has been increased cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany in recent years on both a political and economic level. The year 2023 of German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visit to Kazakhstan and afterward Meetings between leaders have strengthened these bonds. During Chancellor Scholz's recent visit, Kazakhstan also served as a platform for the Germany-Central Asia summit, underlining the country's strategic importance in the region.

Bolgert noted that the main sectors of bilateral cooperation include renewable energy and logistics infrastructure.

“Kazakhstan is of strategic importance for Germany in various areas, including politics and economic relations, with a focus on renewable energy projects. Both countries benefit from the development of transport and logistics infrastructure, as Kazakhstan is an important part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, or the so-called Middle Corridor, connecting the European Union and China,” Bolgert said.

In addition, Bolgert referred to existing projects in oil supply and agriculture as well as plans to deepen raw materials cooperation and projects in the areas of sustainable production, transport and education.

Educational cooperation

An important development in the cultural and educational sector is the opening of a Kazakh-German school in Astana. During Scholz's visit, a memorandum was signed, marking the official start of the project. When asked what actions have been taken since the memorandum was signed, Bolgert said the school is expected to be operational by next fall.

Kazakh-German school opens in Astana. Photo credits:wiedernatal-kasachstan.de

The school will offer students double certificates – Kazakh and German – allowing them to enter leading universities in Germany without additional exams.

“Graduates can apply directly to German universities that are on an equal footing with those from Germany,” said Bolgert, emphasizing the importance of the project for strengthening educational ties between the two nations.

Bolgert also highlighted several other projects in the education sector.

The interior of the Kazakh-German School in Astana. Photo credits:wiedernatal-kasachstan.de

“Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Germany is progressing significantly, especially through several Kazakh-German institutes in Almaty and Aktau offering dual study programs in partnership with German universities,” he said.

With a focus on green technologies and renewable energy, the Kazakh-German Institute of Science and Technology will serve as a training center for skilled workers needed for large-scale projects such as green hydrogen production in the Mangystau region. Bolgert noted that the German dual learning system is based on 60% practical experience and 40% theory.

“The production of green hydrogen project in the Mangystau The region needs qualified specialists in renewable energy, innovative technologies and engineering. This project is unprecedented in its scale and is intended to become a cornerstone for the development of the region and Kazakhstan,” said Bolgert.

Economic cooperation: green economy and agriculture

Both sides emphasized the potential of cooperation in the green economy and agriculture at the Kazakh-German economic forum. Bolgert pointed out that Kazakhstan is rich in rare earth metals, which are essential for Germany's innovative industries.

“This collaboration goes beyond the pure export of raw materials. These are joint projects that focus on the deep processing of raw materials within Kazakhstan and the subsequent export of finished products to Germany,” said Bolgert.

He added that the agricultural machinery sector also presents a growing opportunity.

“Several large agricultural machinery manufacturers, including a German world market leader, have localized production in Kazakhstan. A factory has been built in Petropavlovsk, northern Kazakhstan, and this project is being expanded,” Bolgert said. “These developments have a positive impact on the industrial sector, as more and more German companies are investing in Kazakhstan.”

Bolgert also noted that in the transportation and logistics sector, Deutsche Bank and the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) railway company have reached agreements with other private railway companies to improve freight transport by rail.

Bolgert added that Kazakh national management holding Baiterek and major German financial institutions such as Euler Hermes and KfW have also signed cooperation agreements.

“These institutions finance German companies abroad and their willingness to support projects in Kazakhstan means trust in the country as a location for German investments,” said Bolgert.

Cultural and humanitarian cooperation: The role of the German community in Kazakhstan

Bolgert emphasized the role of Kazakhstan's ethnic German community in strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two countries.

“The German Chancellor emphasized the community as a 'living bridge' between Kazakhstan and Germany,” he noted, pointing to the strong ties between ethnic Germans in Kazakhstan and those who emigrated to Germany.

“These relationships are not only family and friendly, but have also developed into business relationships and play a crucial role in humanitarian and cultural cooperation. The large ethnic German community in Kazakhstan has contributed to warm, close and friendly relations between the two nations,” he added.

More than 226,000 ethnic Germans live in Kazakhstan, and around a million German emigrants from Kazakhstan now live in Germany. The Kazakh government has long supported the cultural identity of its German community and ensures that they can preserve their traditions, language and heritage. The federal government has reciprocated these efforts. Cultural exchange programs, including student exchanges and creative collaborations, further strengthen this bond.

“This collaboration helps maintain and strengthen humanitarian relationships,” Bolgert said.

Kazakhstan's inclusive policies have created equal opportunities for all ethnic groups, including the significant German diaspora. The contributions of the community in Kazakhstan and among people who emigrated to Germany continue to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

Finally, Bolgert emphasized the mutual commitment of the leaders of both countries to preserve and advance these cultural ties, calling them an essential pillar of their broader bilateral relations.