Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The UK FCDO Minister responsible for relations with Central Asia Leo Docherty paid his second visit to Uzbekistan on 10 January 2024. His visit to Tashkent comes a month after hosting Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov in London for the 5th UK-Uzbekistan Strategic Dialogue. Building on those talks, the Minister discussed work to progress cooperation on energy, education links, counter terrorism, and human rights.

During his visit, Minister Docherty met a range of government officials in Uzbekistan, including Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Deputy Minister for Mining Industry and Geology, A’zam Kadirkhodjaev, Deputy Foreign Minister, Muzaffar Madrakhimov. He visited the first British University in Uzbekistan – Westminster International University in Tashkent, to see first-hand the developing ties in education between the UK and Uzbekistan, a central pillar of the relationship. He was accompanied by the First Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovations Komiljon Karimov.  

At the end of his visit, Minister Docherty said: “The ties between the UK and Uzbekistan are going from strength to strength. Building on last month’s Political Dialogue in London, we’re working closer than ever to strengthen our cooperation on governance, security, climate change and human rights. The UK’s support for political stability, long-lasting reform and sustainable economic development in Uzbekistan is unwavering”.

The Minister also visited Chorsu bazaar, to get a flavour of local culture.