Central Asian countries and the United Kingdom hold landmark
meetings in London to advance strategic collaboration on
education, security, culture, finance and economic development.
A series of high-level diplomatic engagements held in London
marked a historic step forward in deepening co-operation between
Central Asia and the United Kingdom. Over several days of
intensive dialogue, foreign ministers, senior officials, and
institutional leaders came together to advance strategic
collaboration across education, security, culture, finance and
economic development.
Ahead of the Central Asia Foreign Ministers' Summit, the annual
UK–Turkmenistan Structured Dialogue convened with the
participation of His Excellency Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman
of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs of
Turkmenistan, and Mr , Minister from the UK
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Discussions centred on:
- expanding co-operation in education and academic partnerships
- strengthening regional and international security
- deepening bilateral trade and economic engagement
A key achievement was the signing of the Programme of
Co-operation for 2026-2027, representing a concrete step in
advancing the long-term strategic partnership between
Turkmenistan and the United Kingdom.
Day 1: Cultural, educational and diplomatic
highlights
The opening day of the Central Asia+United Kingdom Foreign
Ministers' Summit was marked by celebrating both cultural
heritage and modern co-operation.
At the historic Lancaster House, the Duke of Edinburgh hosted an
education and business reception that brought together regional
leaders, UK partners, and current Chevening scholars from
Turkmenistan – underscoring the strength of people-to-people
connections.
Adding cultural significance, a manuscript of Magtymguly Pyragy,
the renowned Turkmen poet and philosopher, was displayed,
symbolizing the enduring cultural ties between Turkmenistan and
the United Kingdom.
The ministers were later welcomed with official ceremony at the
Horse Guards building, reflecting the importance attached to the
CA+ UK relationship. The day concluded with a visit to the Palace
of Westminster, including a meeting with the Speaker – an
important step toward enhancing parliamentary co-operation.
[Image: Speaker_of_Parliament.jpg]
Engagement with the London Stock Exchange
On 26 February, the programme continued with a visit to the
London Stock Exchange (LSE) – a global centre of finance and
innovation.
A joint meeting between the Central Asian Foreign Ministers, LSE
CEO Julia Hoggett, and Economic Secretary to HM Treasury MP facilitated forward‑looking
discussions around:
- strengthening capital market connectivity
- enhancing investment flows
- exploring new financial instruments and economic partnerships
The meeting reaffirmed a shared commitment to expanding financial
co-operation and unlocking new opportunities for mutual growth
between Central Asia and the UK.
Historic CA5+ UK plenary and bilateral talks
The first-ever meeting of Foreign Ministers from all five Central
Asian nations in the CA5+UK format was a milestone event held in
London on 26 February. The gathering established a new platform
for comprehensive regional collaboration with the United Kingdom.
Following the plenary session, a bilateral meeting took place
between the UK's Foreign Secretary, The Right Honourable MP, and Turkmenistan's
Foreign Minister, His Excellency Rashid Meredov, at Lancaster
House.
The discussions emphasised:
- strengthening regional security mechanisms
- broadening educational partnerships and academic exchange
- unlocking the full potential of economic and trade relations
between Turkmenistan and the UK
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to building a mutually
beneficial and future‑oriented partnership.
A new chapter in Central Asia–UK co-operation
The series of engagements in London showcased the growing
importance of Central Asia's partnership with the United Kingdom.
Through expanded dialogue, cultural exchanges, and new frameworks
for co-operation, the meetings laid solid groundwork for deeper
collaboration in the years to come.
