Senior British diplomat visits Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Mr Rupert Ainley, Additional Director of Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate (EECAD) at the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, paid an official visit to Uzbekistan from 1 to 2 November 2018.

The purpose of Mr Ainley’s visit was to further strengthen bilateral relations between the UK and Uzbekistan, and to engage with various stakeholders in order to discuss ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

During his visit Mr Ainley met Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Dilshod Akhatov; Deputy Head of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional studies, Mr Batir Tursunov and Head of the National Human Rights Centre, Dr Akmal Saidov.

Mr Ainley also met representatives of the Uzbek Chevening Alumni Network, fellows of the John Smith Trust Programme and International Leadership Programme and members of the International community in Uzbekistan.

Mr Ainley described his visit to Uzbekistan as following: “Uzbekistan is undergoing a hugely exciting transition. As the most populous country in Central Asia, its political, economic and social reform has the potential to be a driver of prosperity and integration across the region. I was pleased to hear from the government and international partners that UK assistance is supporting Uzbekistan’s programme of reforms from governance to rule of law and economic development to human rights.”

Rupert Ainley has been a civil servant and diplomat for over 15 years, working on, EU external affairs, conflict resolution, security and defence policy, and the Middle East. Rupert was also seconded to the European Commission.