The aim of Leo Docherty’s visit was to build on bilateral
relations between the UK and Uzbekistan on trade, security,
defence and other areas.
During the visit, the Minister met with a range of government
officials in Uzbekistan. During his meeting with the Deputy
Foreign Minister Gayrat Fazilov, the bilateral relationship and
domestic reform agenda were discussed, alongside key foreign
policy and security issues including Russia’s war in Ukraine,
China, and the situation in Afghanistan.
Minister also met with the Deputy
Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade, Badriddin Abidov to
discuss the bilateral trade and investment relationship,
including UK support for Uzbekistan’s succession to the WTO and
our work through the ‘Effective Governance for Economic
Development’ programme.
The Minister also visited the Applied Arts Museum to get a sense
of Uzbekistan’s history and culture. Finally, he met with the
British Council Director in Uzbekistan, Denise Waddingham.
At the end of his visit the Minister said:
Uzbekistan is an important partner for the UK. We are expanding
our close trade ties and our cooperation in education,
governance, security and the fight against climate change.
“Last year we celebrated 30 years of diplomatic relations. We
already do so much together, and I look forward to strengthening
the relationship and seeing what the next 30 years hold.”
