Tashkent, Uzbekistan – On February 26, a meeting of foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom took place in London in the "C5+1" format. This is the first summit of this level since the region's states gained independence in 1991. Participants discussed combining Central Asia's resource and transit potential with the financial and technological capabilities of the United Kingdom.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the region's growing role in international processes, calling it a center of rapid economic growth and cooperation. The summit was attended by the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The sides focused on harmonizing British regulatory, educational, and technological standards with the region's rich natural resources and logistical opportunities.
Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasized that the dialogue has become a substantive platform for discussing economic development priorities. Special attention was paid to trade diversification, industrial cooperation, and sustainable infrastructure development. Strategic cooperation areas were identified as critical raw materials and renewable energy sources, where Central Asia's potential is of particular interest to British investors.
Following the meeting, the parties agreed to continue systematic work to expand bilateral and multilateral interaction. The London format opens new prospects for the influx of British investments into the region's infrastructure projects and high-tech industries, solidifying Central Asia's status as a key partner in Eurasia.
During his visit to London, Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov participated in an official reception with the leadership of the UK Foreign Office and representatives of leading British business circles. The event was an important step in strengthening direct dialogue with the United Kingdom's private sector.
The meeting was attended by leaders of global giants such as Rio Tinto, Rolls-Royce, International Hospitals Group, and Intertek. These companies represent critical economic sectors: industry, finance, healthcare, infrastructure, and strategic mineral extraction. The Uzbek side used the platform to present current reforms in the country and discuss specific investment and technological projects.
A meeting on the sidelines of the reception with UK Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy held particular significance. The sides exchanged views on further strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting common priorities on the international stage.
Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasized Uzbekistan's commitment to deepening strategic partnership with the United Kingdom. The main goal of the interaction remains opening new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and actively attracting British capital and technologies into priority sectors of the national economy.
It is recalled that in London, Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov also met with UK Minister of State for Investment Lord Jason Stockwood. The main outcome of the negotiations was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of medical services.
Source: podrobno.uz