Lord David Cameron, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, is currently on a diplomatic tour of Central Asia. His mission is not primarily focused on countering Russian and Chinese influence. Eldaniz Gusseinov, a foreign policy analyst specializing in European and international studies, told Daryo, shedding light on Cameron's visit to Tajikistan and subsequent travel to Kyrgyzstan.
The choice of these nations underscores a business-centric agenda, diverging from the typical symbolic gestures observed in Western leaders' visits to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The UK's strategic agenda in Central Asia revolves around reducing dependency on Russia and China while fostering intra-regional connectivity. A key focus lies in enhancing trade and investment ties, particularly in Kazakhstan, leveraging the country's substantial economic potential, notably in the oil and gas sector. Additionally, the UK aims to develop alternative energy routes from the region, exemplified by projects like CASA-1000, facilitating renewable hydroelectricity trade.
Efforts to enhance development and governance constitute another pillar of the UK's engagement in Central Asia. The UK supports initiatives aimed at bolstering governance quality, economic policies, and social safety nets. "These efforts are aimed at stimulating economic development, improving government efficiency and poverty reduction, as well as increasing contacts between countries in the region", said Gusseinov.
Security cooperation is paramount for the UK, given Central Asia's proximity to Afghanistan and its broader implications for regional and global stability. The UK invests in projects that bolster regional security and cooperation, particularly in infrastructure and counter-narcotics efforts.
"On a geopolitical level, the UK seeks to counter the considerable influence of Russia and China by promoting greater co-operation between Central Asian states", Gusseinov highlighted. Cameron's visit is expected to address the resolution of border disputes between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, reflecting the UK's commitment to fostering regional stability and cooperation.
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