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
6 results
Clear
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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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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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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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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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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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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