Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Under Secretary of State for Europe of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Leo Docherty Leo Docherty visited Uzbekistan on 6-7 June 2023. 

The purpose of the visit was to develop bilateral relations between the UK and Uzbekistan in the field of trade, security, defense and other areas.

During the visit, the minister met with a number of state officials of Uzbekistan. During his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Gairat Fazylov, bilateral relations and the progress of reforms, as well as key issues on the regional and international agenda, including the situation in Afghanistan, were discussed.

Docherty also met with Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade Badriddin Abidov to discuss bilateral trade and investment relations, including UK support for Uzbekistan's accession to the WTO and working together under the Good Governance for Economic Development programme.

The minister also visited the Museum of Applied Arts to get acquainted with the history and culture of Uzbekistan, and met with the director of the British Council in Uzbekistan, Denise Waddingham.

“Uzbekistan is a very important partner of the UK. We are expanding our close trade ties and our cooperation in education, governance, security and climate change.

Last year, the UK and Uzbekistan celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations. I think that our bilateral relations will continue to develop in a positive way,” the minister said at the end of the visit.