Energy on Track is the motto of the Expo, which could also be called energy on the right track. This is also the topic at this German Energy Dialogue organised by the German Energy Agency, when you talk about the future of energy supplies for the public and how to strengthen German private sector engagement in the energy sphere. I am delighted to be here today to talk to you about this future. We are extremely well acquainted with this debate in Germany nowadays.

Renewable energies, decentralised energy supplies, energy efficiency and modernising the electricity grid are not only a product of the energy transition under way in Germany, but are important economic growth sectors in our country, both for the major players in the field and for innovative SMEs. We have garnered a wealth of experiences with the projects under way to overhaul our energy production and supply. We intend to share our experiences with others with funding programmes such as Smart Energy Showcases. We are delighted to have an opportunity to present our expertise to the world at the EXPO.

And we are especially pleased to be able to do this here because Kazakhstan also has a good platform for the energy of the future. As you know, we contributed German expertise to the construction of the Kazakh wind farm Yerementau 1. There has been intensive cooperation with Germany with respect to drafting the Kazakh Government’s green economy concept, which we now intend to continue with the implementation of this strategy.

Kazakhstan has set itself ambitious goals for the transition to renewable energies by 2030 and 2050, which I expressly welcome. I can well imagine that Germany’s expertise will help to support efforts to achieve these targets. There is much potential also for other renewables, and above all for energy efficiency.

Previous years have, however, also shown that investment in this region can be risky. While progress has been made, we are not yet at the stage in all spheres that we can rely on satisfactory infrastructure and positive investment conditions.

Investments in the area of renewable energies in particular, which are, for the most part, made for the long term, require reliable basic conditions, however. Do use this forum to voice your concerns and express your wishes.

Some of you here today know that as Foreign Minister I worked for many years to improve the foundations for successful economic cooperation between Germany and Kazakhstan. I am confident that we can talk openly, also about difficult questions, and find solutions. Here, we are also talking about reliable regulation, about better compliance with rule of law standards and about confidence building.

Kazakhstan has made considerable progress in this area in recent years, and I can only encourage you to carry on down this path. Kazakhstan’s efforts to achieve convergence with the OECD’s standards is a most welcome development. I would like to congratulate your country on reaching the milestone that was the recent decision to participate in the work of the OECD’s Investment Committee.

Together with you, Germany wants to be a long term committed, reliable partner for Kazakhstan, to benefit both sides. This partnership goes back a long way. Today we are also celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries.

I am certain that it is of major importance, not just economically but also politically, that we remain active in and reach out to this region.

I would like to thank you all most sincerely for your commitment, above all those who have organised this conference. I wish you every success and constructive talks.