The UK’s Minister responsible for Central Asia Leo Docherty met Kazakhstan’s Deputy Foreign Minister in Astana today (Monday 2 October) to open the 7th UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue.

The Minister welcomed close collaboration in higher education, as well as Kazakhstan’s principled position in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and strong commitment to tackle sanctions circumvention in light of Russia’s illegal invasion.

The Ministers discussed how the UK can support Kazakhstan to improve access to internationals markets and increase regional connectivity, including by the development of the Middle Corridor transport route. UK companies have played a leading role in building up key sectors of Kazakhstan’s economy since independence, including in aerospace and energy.

Kazakhstan has essential reserves in critical minerals and plays an important role in food security, in a region vital for the UK’s prosperity and security interests.

Since the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Astana in March 2023 and Minister Docherty’s visit to Almaty in June, the UK-Kazakhstan trading relationship continues to diversify and grow further in critical minerals, hydrogen technology and beef.

During the talks, Minister Docherty offered the UK’s support for domestic reforms in the country, highlighting the role that UK expertise can play in tackling some of the country’s most pressing economic and security challenges.

Having supported Kazakhstan’s sovereignty, security and prosperity since its independence 31 years ago, the UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue was established in 2013 to promote high level engagement between the two countries.