Mr Heppenstall met with officials at the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan, where he had a fruitful discussion on the further development of bilateral relations. Regional issues were also discussed, including perspectives on securing stability in Afghanistan in the wake of the Kabul Conference. Mr Heppenstall also used the opportunity of his visit to meet with a wide range of representatives from civil society, and to visit the Fergana Valley.

Mr Heppenstall said: “This is my first visit to Uzbekistan and I am delighted to be here, to meet with the Uzbek authorities and to learn more about the country. I have been very impressed with the warmth and hospitality of the Uzbek people.

The visit has also been an opportunity for me to discuss the UK Government’s foreign policy approach and priorities, including as outlined in a series of speeches by Foreign Minister William Hague.”