Kazakhstan to increase crude oil exports to Germany

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said on Tuesday that his country will increase crude oil exports to Germany after meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

“Kazakhstan is one of the most important suppliers of oil to Germany. We plan to increase volumes and want to continue being reliable partners for Germany in the future,” Tokayev said during a joint press conference with Merz in Berlin.

The German Chancellor emphasized that his country is “very interested in receiving oil from Kazakhstan to replace the Russian oil we no longer receive,” advocating for the “diversifying” energy imports.

The leader of the German government explained that Kazakhstan is his country’s main trading partner in Central Asia and is already making a major contribution to Europe’s energy supply.

Furthermore, Merz welcomed the agreed 2026–2028 roadmap to expand cooperation in industry, technology, and raw materials, which he said will offer a reliable framework for companies from both nations, particularly in the recognition of standards.

BERLIN (Germany), 29/09/2026.- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrive for a press conference at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, 29 September 2026. Tokayev is on an official visit to Germany until 30 September. (Alemania, Kazajstán) EFE/EPA/CLEMENS BILAN

BERLIN (Germany), 29/09/2026.- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (L) and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stand on the Chancellery terrace looking towards the Reichstag prior to talks in Berlin, Germany, 29 September 2026. Tokayev is in Berlin to meet with German leaders and to attend a German-Kazakh economic forum. (Alemania, Kazajstán) EFE/EPA/SEAN GALLUP / POOL

BERLIN (Germany), 29/09/2026.- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) welcomes Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, 29 September 2026. Tokayev is on an official visit to Germany until 30 September. (Alemania, Kazajstán) EFE/EPA/CLEMENS BILAN

Firm and friendly dialogue

For his part, Tokayev highlighted green hydrogen and renewable energy as other key areas of cooperation between the two countries, while also citing logistics, transport, agriculture, and food processing.

He said that a “firm and friendly dialogue” exists between Kazakhstan and Germany, as both countries celebrate the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

German investments in the Central Asian republic are worth over €7 billion, the president noted, with forty joint projects underway totaling more than €3.5 billion.

“We plan to sign more than thirty commercial agreements and are keen to see them implemented efficiently,” Tokayev said regarding his visit to Germany, where he also attended a German-Kazakh economic forum on Tuesday.

Throughout Wednesday, the Kazakh president—who invited Merz to visit the Central Asian country next year—will continue his official tour of Germany, traveling to Bavaria to hold talks with regional government officials and business leaders. EFE