In the Queen’s Speech debate, Lord Mohamed Sheikh, Founder of the Conservative Muslim Forum, asked if there are any plans to appoint a trade envoy for Uzbekistan.

In the Queen’s Speech debate, Lord Mohamed Sheikh, Founder of the Conservative Muslim Forum, asked if there are any plans to appoint a trade envoy for Uzbekistan.

Lord Mohamed Sheikh: “My Lords, Her Majesty in her most gracious Speech reiterated this Government’s ambitious plans in the field of international relations. Many of the challenges facing the global community cannot be addressed in the absence of effective diplomacy.

I recently visited Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, where I spoke about the importance of diplomacy. I wholeheartedly welcome the United Kingdom-Uzbekistan partnership and co-operation agreement. This is the first PCA signed by Her Majesty’s Government with a central Asian country. The agreement facilitates broad co-operation in trade and investment, sustainable development, environmental protection, energy and human rights. The Economist magazine recently named Uzbekistan country of the year in recognition of the many positive developments made in the country. Noble Lords will be aware that Uzbekistan shares a border with Afghanistan and has been a reliable partner in combating terrorism and drug and human trafficking. I ask the Minister to inform your Lordships’ House whether the Government have any plans for further co-operation in these areas. Are there any plans to appoint a trade envoy for Uzbekistan?”