Central Asian Foreign Ministers Meet UK Parliamentarians in London

London, February 25, 2026 – The Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, alongside his counterparts from other Central Asian nations, held a meeting with members of the UK Parliament's All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Central Asia.

"Kazakhstan places great importance on its relations with the United Kingdom as one of our key partners in Europe," stated Minister Kosherbayev. "We highly value our open political dialogue, growing trade and investment ties, and cooperation in education, innovation, and sustainable development. Inter-parliamentary dialogue holds a special place in this partnership." He emphasized that parliamentary contacts help deepen mutual understanding, facilitate the exchange of practical legislative experience, and allow for more effective coordination on regional and international issues.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister highlighted the evolving role of Central Asia. "Central Asia today is a region of growing opportunities and growing responsibility," he noted. "We believe that more active parliamentary involvement can make a significant contribution to solving common challenges, including regional stability, sustainable development, climate change, and strengthening ties between our countries." He expressed confidence that the APPG plays a vital role in fostering long-term pragmatic cooperation between Kazakhstan and the UK.

Minister Kosherbayev also briefed attendees on Kazakhstan's ongoing program of political and constitutional reforms aimed at modernizing governance and strengthening state institutions. These reforms are designed to create a more balanced, accountable, and effective system of government that enhances the role of parliament.

In response, British parliamentarians acknowledged the high potential and increasing significance of Central Asia. They agreed that enhanced parliamentary interaction could help address shared objectives like ensuring regional stability and combating climate change. The MPs expressed readiness to share practical experience from the UK's legislative bodies and their openness to close inter-parliamentary cooperation.

A separate meeting was also held with Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons.

During this conversation, Minister Kosherbayev reiterated that Britain is a key partner for Kazakhstan in Europe. He expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to develop based on mutual respect and trust.

The Minister noted the active work of the Kazakhstan-UK Friendship Group within Kazakhstan's Parliament. He welcomed the recent establishment in Westminster of the Multi-Party Parliamentary Group for Cooperation with Central Asian Countries—a group comprising members from both Houses across party lines.

"I am confident this new group can make a worthy contribution to developing inter-parliamentary cooperation between Britain and Kazakhstan as well as other countries in our region," said Kosherbayev.

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle stressed the importance of strengthening parliamentary links. He affirmed the British Parliament's readiness to support initiatives for developing cooperation with Central Asia. Sir Lindsay praised Kazakhstan's role as a stable partner in the region and expressed interest in exchanging legislative expertise as well as expanding dialogue between parliamentary delegations.