Uzbek FM Participates in First “Central Asia – United Kingdom” Ministerial Meeting

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov took part in the inaugural ministerial meeting “Central Asia – United Kingdom,” held in London under the leadership of the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper.

The meeting focused on key challenges and opportunities for economic development in the region, priority areas for expanding trade, investment, and bilateral relations with the United Kingdom.

Special attention was given to trade diversification, industrial cooperation, sustainable infrastructure, as well as the strategic use of mineral resources and the potential of renewable energy.

In her remarks, Yvette Cooper highlighted the particular significance of Central Asia as a dynamically developing region with steady economic growth, strengthening regional cooperation, and an increasing role in international affairs.

The Foreign Minister emphasized the pragmatic approach of Central Asian countries to engagement, the strengthening of mutual connectivity, and the consistent expansion of the region’s participation in shaping the modern architecture of economic and political cooperation.

The discussions also focused on opportunities for synergy between Central Asia’s resource and transit potential and the United Kingdom’s capabilities in finance, regulatory standards, technology, and education.

Central Asian foreign ministers praised the “C5+UK” format as an effective mechanism for structured, substantive dialogue with external partners. It was noted that this framework allows for a comprehensive consideration of regional issues in line with the shared interests and priorities of Central Asian countries, creating additional opportunities for advancing economic initiatives and implementing joint projects.

The heads of foreign ministries explored prospects for further strengthening dialogue within the new regional format across trade, transport, and investment, as well as collaboration in addressing contemporary challenges and threats. The parties expressed a shared understanding that “C5+UK” would serve as an important platform for building systematic dialogue and developing practical measures to reinforce cooperation.