Kazakhstan and UK Foreign Ministers Discuss Strategic Partnership Expansion

Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, held talks with his British counterpart, Yvette Cooper, in London on February 26, 2026. The meeting focused on deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Minister Kosherbayev expressed gratitude to the UK government for initiating the first ministerial meeting in the "Central Asia – United Kingdom" format, highlighting its timeliness and practical focus.

The discussions covered a wide range of bilateral issues. Key areas included trade and investment, critical minerals, transport and logistics, finance, digitalization, education, and climate policy. Both sides emphasized the importance of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement signed in 2024. Its ratification is expected to create new opportunities for enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.

"This year marks 34 years of diplomatic relations between our countries," stated Minister Kosherbayev. "Over this period, Astana and London have established an active political dialogue, expanded trade and investment cooperation, and strengthened people-to-people ties. The UK remains one of Kazakhstan's key partners in Europe, and we are committed to further deepening our strategic partnership."

Cooperation on critical minerals received special attention. A Roadmap for 2026-2027 was noted as a document that gives practical direction to this interaction, opening avenues for joint projects in geological exploration, processing, and the implementation of modern technologies.

The ministers also discussed prospects for developing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), viewing it as a key avenue for strengthening Eurasian connectivity and ensuring the resilience of global supply chains.

In education and science, mutual interest was confirmed in further expanding academic cooperation. The recent opening of branches of leading British universities—De Montfort University, Heriot-Watt University, Coventry University, and Cardiff University—in Kazakhstan signifies a shift towards a deeper institutional model of collaboration. This is seen as forming a solid foundation for long-term economic development and innovation.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership across all discussed areas.