Section 15. Afghanistan and Regional Cooperation

58. In 2022, the Federal Republic of Germany tripled its financial support for OSCE projects in Central Asia compared to previous years. In 2023, the German Side also envisages supporting suitable OSCE projects in Uzbekistan.

59. The Sides wish to consolidate and deepen their joint dialogue on Afghanistan and wish to enhance bilateral cooperation to address the challenges arising from developments in Afghanistan, for example on border management, migration policy and extremism prevention/deradicalisation. In this respect, the German Side seeks to support the Republic of Uzbekistan in its efforts to uphold international standards on the rights of foreigners, migrants and refugees by procuring legal advice from the Max Planck Foundation.

Final provisions

60. This Joint Declaration of Intent will come into effect on the date of signature by both Sides. It will be applied for the period 2023 — 2025. During this period, this Joint Declaration of Intent will be subject to annual review through political consultations between the Sides. Each Side will designate a central point of contact.

61. This Joint Declaration of Intent may serve as a bilateral cooperation plan for the development of relations between the Sides. It is not meant to constitute an international treaty or to create any rights or obligations under international law. It may be amended at any time by the two Sides by mutual written consent. Each Side may end cooperation under this Joint Declaration of Intent in writing with a notice period of six (6) months.

Signed in Berlin on 2 May 2023 in duplicate in the English language only.

(signatures)