The UK’s engagement in Central Asia

Foreign Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 9 Feb 2023 Closed: 26 Apr 2024 Parliament page
This inquiry will scrutinise the UK’s diplomatic activity and soft power influence in Central Asia. The inquiry will examine priorities and challenges for the Government as it seeks to deepen its engagement on security, energy, trade, environment and investment to pursue mutually beneficial objectives. Read the call for evidence for … Read more
21 Recommendations
7 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 6 events
25 Jan
2024
Report published
10 Nov
2023
Report published
18 Oct
2023
Correspondence
5 Sep
2023
Oral evidence
27 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
9 May
2023
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
5 Sep 2023
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Charles Garrett Chris Allan · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Erlan Dosymbekov · Ernst and Young (EY) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia Leo Docherty · Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
27 Jun 2023
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Erica Marat · National Defense University Khalida Azhigulova Luca Anceschi · School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow Maisy Weicherding · Amnesty International Noah Tucker · The Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs
9 May 2023
View on parliament.uk
Foreign Affairs Committee
Annette Bohr · Chatham House Dr Aijan Sharshenova · Foreign Policy Centre Oliver Bullough Peter Frankopan · Worcester College, Oxford University Professor John Heathershaw · University of Exeter Professor Kristian Lasslett · University of Ulster
Recommendations & Conclusions
28 results
1 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Convene Central Asia 5+UK meeting and offer diplomatic capacity building for cooperation
There is a genuine interest in Central Asian capitals in greater cooperation between the five countries. Such cooperation plays an important part in defending their independence from large and assertive neighbours such as China and Russia. It can help build … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
2 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Develop tailored engagement approaches for Central Asian states respecting their independence and sovereignty
All five Central Asian states are rightly proud of their distinct cultural heritages and histories. Each has unique assets and strengths and fiercely defends its sovereignty. It is important that the UK Government both respects and encourages the independence of … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
3 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Increase high-level ministerial engagement with all five Central Asian countries over three years
If the aspirations of Global Britain are to be realised the Government must live up to them across the breadth of its international relationships. We welcome the ambition of the FCDO’s Europe and Central Asia directorate and the intention to … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
4 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
UK foreign policy in Central Asia must avoid single-issue dependence
We agree that Russia’s renewed illegal invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s scramble to secure willing partners is a key concern of the UK and must influence foreign policy toward Central Asia. However, the UK’s engagement with Central Asian countries and … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
5 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
UK's lax financial crime enforcement enables Central Asian kleptocratic autocracies
Illicit finance is an integral component of autocratic rule in Central Asian countries. The UK is a key node for Central Asian capital flight and a leading enabler of its corrupt elites. While the UK is careful not to interfere … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
6 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Increase resources for law enforcement authorities to combat illicit finance effectively
While there has been progress in developing laws and regulations to curb money laundering in the UK in recent years, enforcement has been inadequate, not least because of a lack of enforcement capacity. State agencies have been under-resourced in comparison … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
7 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Implement comprehensive measures to combat Central Asian illicit finance and corruption
We recommend that the Government: a) Offers assistance to each of the Central Asian countries in building their domestic capacity to tackle corruption and money laundering as a contribution to their economic development. b) Encourages the National Crime Agency to … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
8 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Close opportunities for Russian sanctions evasion and reduce Central Asia's economic dependence
Sanctions evasion by Russia via Central Asian states is a real and significant threat to the international measures against Russia’s renewed illegal invasion of Ukraine. 56 Countries at crossroads: UK engagement in Central Asia The kleptocratic nature of Central Asian … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
9 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Prioritise preventing Qosh Tepa canal project from causing regional environmental crisis
Ensuring that the Qosh Tepa canal project does not lead to an environmental and political crisis for countries accessing the waters of the Amu Darya should be a key priority of the UK’s engagement with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
10 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Prepare detailed action plan for Central Asian climate adaptation, mitigation, and regional cooperation
The vulnerability of all five Central Asian countries to climate change is real and severe. Without rapid and concerted action, the consequences of food and water insecurity pose threats to regional and global resilience. It is in our mutual interest … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
11 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Central Asian governments show insufficient support for persecuted Uyghur populations
The relationship between Central Asian governments and their own Uyghur populations is sometimes complex. The persecution of the Muslims in Xinjiang continues with little obvious objection from Central Asian governments. In some cases, Central Asian Governments have failed to provide … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
12 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Support investigation into Gorno-Badakshan human rights abuses and add Tajikistan to FCDO priority list
The crackdown on human rights defenders as well as the repression of Pamiri culture and Ismaili religion in Gorno-Badakshan in Tajikistan is a particularly concerning example of human rights abuses by the Tajik Government. We recommend that the Government supports … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
13 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Implement recommendations to address forced labour in Turkmenistan's cotton supply chains
We recommend, once more, that the Government implements the recommendations made in the Committee’s report Never Again: The UK’s Responsibility to Act on Atrocities in Xinjiang and Beyond, to focus on supply chains that might be facilitating forced labour in … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
14 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Amend reporting requirements for civil society organisations receiving UK funds to maximise operational agency
Civil society organisations act as a bastion against totalitarianism and a counter to foreign disinformation. We welcome the UK Government’s support of civil society organisations in Central Asia. However, this support needs to be fit for purpose and accessible to … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
15 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Rigorously assess DCTS countries against human rights criteria, ready to suspend trading arrangements
The situation for human rights, and the environment for human rights defenders, may be different in different Central Asian countries, but there is evidence of a negative trajectory in all of them. This is a situation which cannot be ignored … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
16 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Increase British Council resources and expand Chevening scholarships to boost UK soft power in Central Asia
Education provides one of the most promising opportunities for the UK to be a force for good and to build soft influence in Central Asian countries—contributing to a generation of educated young people who know English and have had exposure … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
17 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Review visa issuance and establish more application centres for migrant workers
The Migrant Workers Scheme is highly effective, with benefits for the UK, the workers themselves and the societies they are returning to. We see huge potential for this to be expanded for agricultural workers and other trades. We recommend that … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
18 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Prioritise promotion of civil society activity and human rights in Central Asian engagement
The autocratic nature of the governments in the region and the lack of civil society engagement in most countries represents the foremost threat to peace and stability in the region. As recommended elsewhere, the UK Government should continue to prioritise … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
19 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Russian disinformation poses significant threat to Central Asian sovereignty and UK interests
Russian disinformation is a threat to both the UK and its Central Asian partners. The insidious messages spread by the Russian state have a powerful impact on how the older generation views the renewed illegal invasion of Ukraine and the … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
20 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Proceed cautiously with Central Asian counter-terrorism cooperation, focusing on ethical military training
The Government should proceed with caution when engaging with Central Asian governments on the issue of terrorism and military to military cooperation. The threat of terrorism is often used as an excuse for tightening the authoritarian grip of the state … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
21 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
UK complicit in laundering illicit drug trafficking gains through the City of London
Drugs trafficking is a complex issue with close links between the trade and ruling elites as well as organised crime. There are also linkages to funds originating from the drugs trade being channelled through the City of London. The UK … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
22 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Produce a clear strategy for trade and investment in Central Asia, involving civil society
There are opportunities for increased trade and investment for UK companies in Central Asian states. Policies on investment should be clearer and calibrated to its efforts to curb corruption in-country and in the City of London, its ministerial engagement programme, … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
23 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Offer capacity building and legislative assistance to Central Asian states to improve investment environment
The investment environment in Central Asian states is still far from attractive to many would-be investors. There is much more the UK Government could do to improve the situation. We recommend that capacity building for civil servants and practical assistance … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
24 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
UK engagement with Central Asian countries holds significant potential for mutual benefit.
Engagement with Central Asian countries comes with significant potential for mutual benefit. Whether it be in terms of cultural exchange, migrant labour, investment in tech, creative industries, education or critical minerals, the countries of this region have hospitable cultures ready … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
25 Conclusion
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Central Asian governments are forthright, enabling the UK to be a more assertive partner.
Governments in the respective Central Asian states are forthright diplomatic actors, fully aware of the importance and potential of their nations and the region in the geopolitical manoeuvrings of this decade. The UK is well positioned to be a reliable … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
26 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Establish a Central Asia engagement strategy with clear long-term goals and consistent principles.
It is important that UK engagement in Central Asia is responsive to what the citizens of the various states want and need. Change in any political sphere in Central Asia is unlikely to take place rapidly, and UK influence is … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
27 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Robustly enforce adherence to mutually agreed commitments with Central Asian governments.
The UK Government needs to be clear-eyed and discerning in its engagement with Central Asian governments, all of which fully understand that there is international competition for their cooperation. There are likely to be many issues which the UK will … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
28 Recommendation
Tenth Report - Countries at crossr…
Embed clear human rights objectives consistently across all UK engagement programmes.
Progress on human rights will depend on creative approaches to dialogue that respect the sovereignty and heritage of these countries yet empower them to meet their obligations to internationally-agreed rights. The UK Government should ensure that clear objectives relating to … Read more
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
View details
Correspondence 1 letter
18 Oct 2023 Correspondence with the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Europe) following up on the FAC oral evidence session on Central Asia, dated 13/10/2023 and 13/09/2023
Parliament page