Holger Freider: “Germany has great interest to Uzbekistan”

UzA, Iroda Umarova, 29 August 2010, 14:39

Chargé D’affaires Ad Interim of Germany in Uzbekistan Holger Freider spoke to UzA correspondent on the eve of the Independence Day of Uzbekistan on the relations between the two countries.

– Mr Freider, how would you evaluate the development of relations between our countries?

– Germany and Uzbekistan have established strong political ties, covering all aspects of friendly relations. Many bilateral visits at various levels contribute to further development of mutual relations. Recently, Foreign Minister of Germany Guido Westerwelle visited Uzbekistan two times.

Germany supports efforts of Uzbekistan in further democratization of the country. One of the most important efforts is reforming the judicial and legal sphere. Germany cooperates with Uzbekistan in implementation of successive reforms towards democratization, development of non-profit organizations, in particular, through organizations like Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

– What can you say about the cultural and humanitarian relations between Uzbekistan and Germany?

– Our two countries have close cultural relations. It is encouraging that many people learn German in Uzbekistan. This shows the great interest to Germany in your country. In Germany, too, there is a huge interest to Uzbekistan, and the rich culture of Uzbek people. Unique and rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan attracts a growing number of tourists from Germany year after year.

– What aspects of mutual cooperation should be given priority, in your opinion?

– I believe the primary task is to develop relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Uzbekistan. For this, we should continue expanding contacts in all spheres. Both sides still have many untapped opportunities for cooperation. In order to expand and strengthen mutual economic relations, it is particularly useful to intensify direct contacts of business circles.

– What can you say about the inter-ethnic consent in Uzbekistan?

– Representatives of various nations and nationalities live in peace and harmony in Uzbekistan. Most of them have their national cultural centers. The German national cultural center with branches in the country’s regions also operates here. This helps Uzbek citizens of German nationality to preserve their identity, culture and customs. German language courses are gaining popularity, various cultural events are organized regularly, which is an important factor in strengthening inter-ethnic unity.

Citizens of German nationality living in your country are making a worthy contribution to the development of Uzbekistan, winning respect in the society. The basis of this is the fact that the Constitution of Uzbekistan guarantees the equality of all nations. This is why in your country prevail generosity, tolerance, inter-ethnic and inter-faith harmony.

– What is your impression about the creative and construction work in our country?

– The creative potential of your people is clearly seen on the example of the extensive work carried out in Tashkent, which has greatly changed the look of your capital. In Tashkent and other cities of Uzbekistan, public transport is being modernized, more and more cars appear in the country’s roads. We are pleased that Mercedes buses are among the most popular transport in Uzbekistan.

Germany contributes to the development of infrastructure in Uzbekistan. In particular, German development bank KfW participated in the financing of the project of electrification of Tukimachi-Angren railway line.

Take this opportunity, I congratulate people of Uzbekistan with their greatest holiday – the Independence Day, and wish your people peace, prosperity and happiness.

MA

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