The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, met with the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Lord Anas Sarwar, on October 9 to discuss bilateral cooperation.
Sarwar's visit to Uzbekistan was related to his participation in the second meeting of the Uzbekistan-UK Economic Committee. At the beginning of the meeting, Sarwar conveyed greetings and a special message from the Prime Minister of the UK, Andy Burnham, to the President of Uzbekistan.
The parties discussed the further development of the partnership, paying particular attention to trade and economic ties. The strengthening of political dialogue, regular contacts at various levels, and established cooperation in the field of security were noted.
According to information presented at the meeting, bilateral trade turnover is growing, and 260 joint enterprises of the two countries operate in Uzbekistan. The National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan also conducted its first Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the London Stock Exchange.
In the financial sector, cooperation includes the activities of Standard Chartered, while British Petroleum represents the oil and gas industry. Additionally, three joint universities have been established, and the Presidential Schools of Uzbekistan operate in partnership with the University of Cambridge. The number of tourists visiting Uzbekistan from the UK is also increasing.
During the negotiations, promising projects involving UK Export Finance (UKEF) were discussed. Priority areas were identified as infrastructure, energy, finance, geology, transport, education, and healthcare.
The British side expressed its readiness to support the creation and development of the International Financial Centre in Tashkent, which is planned to operate in accordance with English law.
Following the negotiations, both sides agreed to adopt a joint roadmap aimed at further expanding multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.