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 9 events
25 Jan
2024
Report published
10 Nov
2023
Report published
18 Oct
2023
Correspondence
5 Sep
2023
Oral evidence
5 Sep
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
27 Jun
2023
Oral evidence
27 Jun
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Thatcher Room, Portcullis House
9 May
2023
Oral evidence
9 May
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Wilson Room, Portcullis House
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
5 Sep 2023
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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
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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
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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
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads: UK engagement in Central… HC 1158 10 Nov 2023 28 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
28 results
1 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government agrees to support Central Asian cooperation and is exploring opportunities for a Ministerial CA5+UK meeting in 2024. However, they partially accept the diplomatic capacity building recommendation, offering informal support rather than a dedicated academy due to resource limitations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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2 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees and states they have already tailored approaches and re-energised relationships with Central Asian states, committing to further deepen bilateral relationships in 2024.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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3 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, noting increased senior ministerial engagement, including recent visits. It commits to actively exploring further engagement opportunities in early 2024 and states the Foreign Secretary will consider appropriate future engagement, but does not fully commit to the scope of engagement recommended over three years.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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4 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees that its relationships with Central Asian countries extend beyond a single issue and details specific multi-million pound development, peace and security, climate, and private sector growth programs, including a new £18m fund launching in 2024.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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5 Conclusion Rejected
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
Government Response
The government disagrees with the conclusion, stating that proceeds of corruption are unwelcome in the UK. They detail significant measures undertaken, including passing the Economic Crime Acts of 2022 and 2023, and creating a new NCA unit to combat kleptocracy, asserting these measures harden the UK against illicit finance.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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6 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, detailing a sustainable funding model including £400 million over three years for economic crime bodies, with £63m for Companies House reform. They are recruiting 475 investigators and establishing/expanding specific cells within the National Crime Agency.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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7 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating they provide existing capacity building support via law enforcement cooperation and will continue to respond to new opportunities. They are considering future governance interventions and are already running pilots through the EGED programme, alongside supporting Kazakhstan's financial intelligence capabilities.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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8 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's conclusion/recommendation regarding sanctions evasion by Russia via Central Asian states but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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9 Recommendation Not Addressed
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.
Government Response
The government restates the committee's conclusion regarding the Qosh Tepa canal project.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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10 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government response only repeats the first sentence of the recommendation, and does not address the requested action plan.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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11 Conclusion Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's conclusion regarding the complex relationship between Central Asian governments and their Uyghur populations.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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12 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding human rights abuses in Gorno-Badakshan in Tajikistan but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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13 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding supply chains that might be facilitating forced labour in the cotton fields of Turkmenistan.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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14 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding reporting requirements for civil society organisations receiving funds from the UK Government, but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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15 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding human rights in Central Asia but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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16 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding education in Central Asian countries but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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17 Recommendation Not Addressed
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
Government Response
The government restates the committee's recommendation regarding the Migrant Workers Scheme but the response is truncated.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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18 Recommendation Acknowledged
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
Government Response
The government acknowledges the importance of promoting civil society and human rights in Central Asia, but doesn't commit to specific new actions beyond what is already stated as cross-cutting themes.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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19 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees, detailing existing FCDO initiatives like the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Directorate’s Resilience Programme and the Information Threats and Influence Directorate, and states they are actively working to extend these programmes to Central Asia to counter Russian disinformation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, highlighting existing English language training and UN Peacekeeping support. It commits to continuing courses on the Law of Armed Conflict and ethical dimensions, involving the UK Armed Forces Islamic Religious Advisor, while also balancing counter-terrorism cooperation against human rights risks.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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21 Conclusion Acknowledged
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees with the conclusion, acknowledging the issue of illicit drugs and money laundering. They describe ongoing efforts to monitor drug markets, respond to synthetic drug threats, and strengthen domestic defences against money laundering through existing plans and legislation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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22 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees, outlining their current trade and investment approach for Central Asia which blends foreign policy and trade targets, focusing on strategic sectors like Education, Critical Minerals, Infrastructure and Capital Markets. They provide examples of ongoing collaboration and support for UK businesses across the region.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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23 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, explaining that its existing Effective Governance for Economic Development (EGED) programme and targeted non-ODA support from DBT already help improve the business environment and assist with regulation and process in Central Asian states. They commit to continuing this work to promote investment opportunities.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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24 Conclusion Accepted in Part
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, committing to greater engagement with Central Asia and acknowledging the value of senior ministerial engagement. They state ministerial engagement has increased and they are exploring further opportunities for early 2024 visits.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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25 Conclusion Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that the UK's ambition, resources, and senior ministerial engagement in Central Asia are increasing, along with their footprint. This enables them to openly discuss issues like human rights and sanctions circumvention in bilateral and multilateral forums.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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26 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation and is updating its high-level regional strategy for Central Asia to reflect current realities and address economic challenges impacting programme spend. They state previous investments have increased the UK's profile in the region.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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27 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, asserting that human rights and governance are vital to their work in Central Asia and detailing existing efforts. They highlight their current engagement, support for civil society, and programmatic work to strengthen rights and freedoms without specifying new measures for 'robust enforcement'.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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28 Recommendation Accepted
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
Government Response
The government partially agrees, stating that human rights and governance are already vital elements of the UK's work in Central Asia. They describe ongoing efforts through embassies, NGOs, multilateral organizations, and programmes like EGED, indicating current practices address the recommendation.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
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Government Response AI assessment · 28 of 21 classified
Accepted 9
Accepted in Part 6
Acknowledged 2
Not Addressed 10
Rejected 1
Total 21 recs + 7 conclusions
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
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