7th UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue
UK and Kazakhstan recommit to shared vision for strategic partnership
Minister Leo Docherty and Kazakhstan Deputy Foreign Minister Vassilenko at the 7th UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue in Astana.
The UK鈥檚 Minister responsible for Central Asia Leo Docherty met Kazakhstan鈥檚 Deputy Foreign Minister in Astana today (Monday 2 October) to open the 7th UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue. The Minister welcomed close collaboration in higher education, as well as Kazakhstan鈥檚 principled position in supporting Ukraine鈥檚 sovereignty and strong commitment to tackle sanctions circumvention in light of Russia鈥檚 illegal invasion.
The Ministers discussed how the UK can support Kazakhstan to improve access to internationals markets and increase regional connectivity, including by the development of the Middle Corridor transport route. UK companies have played a leading role in building up key sectors of Kazakhstan鈥檚 economy since independence, including in aerospace and energy.
Kazakhstan has essential reserves in critical minerals and plays an important role in food security, in a region vital for the UK鈥檚 prosperity and security interests.
Since the Foreign Secretary鈥檚 visit to Astana in March 2023 and Minister Docherty鈥檚 visit to Almaty in June, the UK-Kazakhstan trading relationship continues to diversify and grow further in critical minerals, hydrogen technology and beef.
During the talks, Minister Docherty offered the UK鈥檚 support for domestic reforms in the country, highlighting the role that UK expertise can play in tackling some of the country鈥檚 most pressing economic and security challenges.
Having supported Kazakhstan鈥檚 sovereignty, security and prosperity since its independence 31 years ago, the UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Dialogue was established in 2013 to promote high level engagement between the two countries.