The first foreign ministers’ summit in the “Central Asia – United Kingdom” format was held in London.

During the event, the parties discussed strengthening cooperation, trade diversification, industrial collaboration, the development of sustainable infrastructure, and the effective use of Central Asia’s potential in critical minerals and renewable energy.

As part of the summit, an opening ceremony for trading took place at the London Stock Exchange.

During the talks between Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov and the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Yvette Cooper, the sides exchanged views on expanding their partnership in trade and investment, green and sustainable infrastructure, and regional connectivity.

The parties signed several agreements aimed at deepening practical, results-oriented cooperation. The signed documents provide for increased use of green finance instruments, expanded educational and academic exchanges, and support for the implementation of joint projects.

During the visit, the Uzbekistan delegation held several high-level meetings with representatives of the UK government, financial institutions, and the private sector.

In particular, during talks with Minister for Investment Lord Jason Stockwood and UK Export Finance Chief Executive Tim Reid, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to support priority infrastructure projects in Uzbekistan.

At meetings with the leadership of Standard Chartered Bank and Benoy, agreements were reached to deepen cooperation in industrial financing, sustainable energy, modern urban planning, and infrastructure development.

During a meeting between representatives of Uzbekistan and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Lindsay Hoyle, and the UK Defence Minister, Lord Vernon Coaker, discussions focused on strengthening interparliamentary diplomacy and cooperation in the field of security.

With the participation of Central Asian students studying in the United Kingdom, a cultural programme was organized, including a display of copies of rare manuscripts from the region.

D. Hakimov, UzA