On February 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, participated in a meeting held in London in the format "Central Asia - United Kingdom," as reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Foreign ministers from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the UK Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, also attended the event.
The participants discussed ways to strengthen dialogue in the new regional format, covering areas such as trade, economy, transport, investment, and joint actions against modern threats. All participants concluded that the "C5+UK" format would serve as an important platform for systematic dialogue and practical steps to deepen cooperation.
In his speech, Kulubaev noted that Central Asia occupies a strategically important position between Asia and Europe, possessing significant energy resources, human potential, and extensive transit capabilities. He also emphasized that the peaceful resolution of borders between Kyrgyzstan and neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan serves as an example of constructive dialogue and effective cooperation in the region, opening new horizons for the development of trade, economic, and investment ties with other countries, including the United Kingdom.
Kulubaev also highlighted the importance of expanding bilateral and regional relations with the United Kingdom in areas such as trade, finance, energy, transport, climate, and education. He expressed hope that the success of the "C5+UK" format would be assessed by the number of implemented projects, attracted investments, educational programs, and sustainable cooperation mechanisms.
Discussing the issue of sanctions, Kulubaev expressed concern about the possible negative impact of unilateral restrictions on trade, economic, and financial relations between Central Asia and the United Kingdom. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz side opposes the politicization of international economic and commercial ties and is ready for open and constructive dialogue to achieve mutually acceptable solutions.
