In a historic meeting held in Uzbekistan's Tashkent, Bakhtiyor Saidov, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, and British Foreign Secretary, Lord David Cameron, signed a declaration on partnership and a memorandum of cooperation. These agreements focus on enhancing regional and international relations as well as infrastructure development between the two nations.
This event marks a significant step in diplomatic relations, as it is the first visit by a British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs to Uzbekistan in nearly three decades.
The signed Declaration on Comprehensive Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) address key areas such as economic bonds, regional connectivity, and infrastructure. These documents aim to outline and execute tasks that will strengthen relations across various sectors.
Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov expressed satisfaction with the fruitful discussions, which emphasized economic cooperation and educational collaboration. Both parties showed a keen interest in establishing direct business-to-business ties that promise to foster growth and mutual benefits.
The signing coincided with Lord David Cameron's extensive diplomatic tour across Central Asia, including stops in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. This five-day mission is part of the UK's strategic initiative to rejuvenate its relationships with Central Asian countries following a critical report by the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. The report had previously criticized the UK's engagement level with the region, suggesting a perceived lack of commitment.
Cameron's journey not only aims to mend and enhance relations but also sets several historical milestones. He is the first British top diplomat to visit Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, highlighting the UK's renewed interest in strengthening ties with Central Asia. His visit to Uzbekistan is notably significant, being the first since 1997, and his trip to Mongolia marks the first by a British official of his rank in over a decade.
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