On the Meetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan in London
On February 25, a delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov held a series of important meetings with representatives of the United Kingdom in London. The visit program covered activities aimed at further developing political, trade-economic, and investment cooperation.
In particular, a meeting took place with Lord Jason Stockwood, the United Kingdom Minister for Investment.
During the meeting, opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation in industry, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, critical minerals, healthcare, and digital technologies were discussed.
The sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Healthcare Services, laying the foundation for deeper collaboration and the development of pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in Uzbekistan. These initiatives provide a platform for sustainable economic growth, responsible partnership, and stronger ties between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.
A meeting was also held with Saif Malik, the Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Bank. The discussion focused on prospects for expanding cooperation in financing large-scale industrial projects, supporting green energy initiatives and strengthening engagement with the real sector of the economy. Particular attention was given to opportunities in renewable energy, infrastructure development and sustainable financing. The sides expressed readiness to further develop partnership aimed at implementing transformative projects and supporting the bank’s integration into the national financial system.
The delegation also met with Tom Cartledge, the Chief Executive Officer of Benoy. Discussions covered initiatives in modern city development, including planning across Uzbekistan, construction of New Tashkent, development of regional master plans and modernization of transport and tourism infrastructure. The participation of the company in development projects in Uzbekistan was welcomed and readiness was expressed to advance mutually beneficial cooperation and collaborative initiatives.
Together with delegations from Central Asian countries, a meeting was held with Prince Edward. The meeting provided an opportunity to engage with students from Central Asia studying in the United Kingdom and to discuss ways to further support youth exchanges, academic mobility, and people-to-people contacts between the regions.
The program also included familiarization with replicas of rare manuscripts, highlighting the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region and the importance of preserving and promoting shared intellectual legacy, contributing to the strengthening of humanitarian ties.
In addition, delegations from Central Asian countries attended a ceremonial event with the participation of the King’s Guard, reflecting the long-standing traditions and institutional continuity of the United Kingdom.
Within the framework of the visit, a meeting was held with Lord Coaker, the Minister of State at the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence.
On the same day, talks were also held with Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the United Kingdom House of Commons. The discussions focused on strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue, promoting regular exchanges between legislative bodies, and deepening parliamentary diplomacy between Central Asia and the United Kingdom.
The sides emphasized the important role of parliaments in supporting reforms, facilitating mutual understanding, and expanding cooperation in areas such as education, trade, and sustainable development.
