UK to Host First Ministerial Summit with Central Asia

The United Kingdom will host the foreign ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for a historic summit in London on February 26, 2026, according to the press release shared with Kursiv Uzbekistan.

This gathering, hosted by British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, marks the first time since these nations gained independence in 1991 that such a joint meeting has taken place in this format.

The summit represents a strategic pivot for the UK as it seeks to deepen ties with the rapidly growing economies of Central Asia. The British government aims to bolster regional resilience and economic growth through several key pillars:

Critical Minerals: Establishing new agreements to secure and diversify global supply chains.
«Green» Growth: Supporting projects that facilitate a transition to sustainable energy and environmental stability.
Education: Expanding academic cooperation and English-language programs to enhance skills and professional development.

The summit is expected to elevate the partnership between the UK and Uzbekistan to a new level. Specific initiatives are designed to create fresh opportunities for Uzbek students, researchers, and businesses while strengthening bilateral trade and investment links.

«Our involvement underscores the UK’s firm support for the independence, economic security, and long-term prosperity of Uzbekistan and the entire region,» the British Embassy stated.

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