On February 26, London hosted a meeting of foreign ministers of five Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom under the “Central Asia + UK” (CA5+UK) framework.
The ministers discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues, including opportunities for economic growth, expanding trade and investment cooperation, and joint efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and develop international transport corridors, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan.
The discussions also focused on opportunities to align Central Asia’s resource and transit potential with the UK’s strengths in finance, regulatory standards, technology, and education.
In her address, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted Central Asia’s significance as a dynamically developing region with steady economic growth, increasing regional cooperation, and a growing role in international affairs. The countries in the region are taking a pragmatic approach to engagement, strengthening interconnectivity, and gradually expanding their participation in shaping a modern framework for economic and political cooperation.
In his remarks, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Yermek Kosherbayev emphasized the importance of pragmatic, mutually beneficial strategic engagement between the region and the UK, aimed at supporting economic development and sustainable growth of all participating countries.
“Kazakhstan plays a central role in regional connectivity. Thirteen major transit corridors pass through our territory and around 85% of overland cargo transport between Europe and Asia moves through Kazakhstan. The idea of the CA5+UK format stems from these priorities. Within this framework, we view the United Kingdom as a long-term partner and are committed to achieving tangible results that benefit our economies, societies, and shared future,” Minister Kosherbayev added.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev emphasized that Central Asia today represents a key geopolitical region strategically located between Asia and Europe, endowed with significant energy resources, strong human capital, and substantial transit potential, the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported.
He also highlighted the relevance of expanding both bilateral and regional cooperation with the United Kingdom in the fields of trade, finance, energy, transport, climate, and education. He expressed hope that the success of the “C5+UK” format would be measured by concrete projects, investments, educational programs, and sustainable mechanisms of interaction.
Addressing the issue of sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on some Kyrgyz entities for their alleged role in helping Russia circumvent western sanctions, Minister Kulubaev conveyed concern about the potential negative impact of unilateral restrictive measures on trade, economic, and financial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United Kingdom. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz side, opposing the politicization of international economic and commercial relations, remains ready for open and constructive dialogue aimed at reaching mutually acceptable and pragmatic solutions.
Photo: mfa.gov.kg
