Tokayev visits Germany, proposes supplies of critical minerals

Kazakhstan is ready to become a reliable supplier of critical commodities to Germany, according to an article by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev published in Handelsblatt ahead of his official visit to the country.

In the German capital, Tokayev is set to hold talks with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The Kazakhstani president views his visit to Germany as an opportunity to open a new chapter in the Kazakh-German partnership, tap into new areas of growth and give fresh momentum to bilateral cooperation.

As he noted, the greatest potential for cooperation lies in metallurgy, petrochemicals, the food industry and railway engineering. The supply of critical minerals is also an issue of particular significance.

According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan produces 21 of the 34 critical minerals considered important for Europe, including lithium, silicon, cobalt, niobium, tungsten and copper. These materials are essential for the energy transition, industrial manufacturing, microelectronics and digital technologies.

Beyond direct supplies, Tokayev proposed creating joint value and production chains, spanning everything from geological exploration and extraction to processing, component manufacturing, and recycling.

«Energy also remains a cornerstone of our relations. Kazakhstan has established itself as a reliable and stable energy supplier for Europe, accounting for approximately 13% of EU oil imports and 20% of uranium imports. In 2025, we supplied over 10 million tons of oil to Germany,» he added.

The president also highlighted Kazakhstan’s significant potential for developing renewable energy, power grids, and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, the country will continue to fulfill its oil supply obligations, he said.