Central Asian Foreign Ministers Discuss Cooperation with UK Parliamentarians in London

Foreign ministers from Central Asian nations held talks with British parliamentarians in London on February 25, 2026. The meeting focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue and expanding cooperation between the regions.

The discussions involved members of the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group for Central Asia. Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister, Yermek Kosherbayev, emphasized the importance his country places on relations with the United Kingdom as a key European partner. He highlighted the value of open political dialogue, growing trade and investment links, and collaboration in education, innovation, and sustainable development.

"Inter-parliamentary dialogue holds a special place in this partnership," Kosherbayev stated. He noted that such contacts help deepen mutual understanding, allow for an exchange of practical experience in legislative work and parliamentary oversight, and enable more effective coordination on regional and international issues.

The minister described Central Asia as a region of growing opportunities and responsibilities. He expressed confidence that more active parliamentary engagement could significantly contribute to solving shared challenges, including regional stability, sustainable development, climate change, and strengthening ties between nations.

Kosherbayev also briefed attendees on Kazakhstan's comprehensive 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 public administration that enhances the role of parliament.

In turn, British MPs acknowledged the high potential of Central Asia and its increasing global role. They agreed that enhanced parliamentary interaction could help address common tasks. The UK parliamentarians expressed readiness to share practical experience from Britain's legislative bodies and their openness to close inter-parliamentary cooperation.

A separate meeting was held with the Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle. Kosherbayev reiterated that Britain remains a key partner for Kazakhstan in Europe and expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to develop based on mutual respect, trust, and friendship.

He welcomed the recent establishment of the British Parliament's Multi-Party Parliamentary Group for cooperation with Central Asian countries. "I am confident this new group can make a worthy contribution to developing inter-parliamentary cooperation between the UK and Kazakhstan and other nations in our region," Kosherbayev said.

Speaker Hoyle underscored the importance of fortifying inter-parliamentary links and emphasized the British Parliament's readiness to support initiatives for developing cooperation with Central Asia. He praised Kazakhstan's role as a stable and reliable regional partner.