Kazakhstan-UK Strengthen Trade, Investment, and Labor Rights Cooperation
Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation
ASTANA – Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom celebrated a significant milestone on Jan. 19, commemorating the 33rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. In light of this occasion, the two countries recently convened the eighth meeting of the Kazakhstan-U.K. Strategic Dialogue in London on Feb. 11.
The meeting, co-chaired by Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko and U.K. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty, focused on various areas of cooperation such as politics, economy, investment, energy, environment, culture, education, and security. Discussions also revolved around the ratification process of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, signed last year in April. Moreover, both sides engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on regional and international issues of mutual interest.
Vassilenko commended the robust political dialogue and effective communication between the foreign ministries of both countries, which have contributed to the deepening of multifaceted cooperation. He emphasized the importance of events held in 2024, including a meeting between Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, as a reflection of a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships.
During the meeting, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Kazakh Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the U.K.’s Gangmasters and Labor Abuse Authority (GLAA) to enhance cooperation in protecting the labor rights of Kazakh citizens working in the U.K. This agreement aims to facilitate the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices in labor rights protection.
In addition to the official meetings, Vassilenko engaged with First Deputy Speaker of the U.K. House of Commons Nusrat Ghani to explore opportunities for inter-parliamentary dialogue. He also held productive discussions with representatives of the British expert community, including the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
The Kazakhstan-U.K. Strategic Dialogue serves as a key institutional mechanism for bilateral cooperation, providing a platform to review various aspects of the relationship and discuss regional and international agendas. The U.K. remains one of Kazakhstan’s major investors, with total investments exceeding $18 billion, and approximately 550 companies with British involvement currently operating in Kazakhstan. The sustained partnership between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom underscores the commitment to enhancing trade, investment, cultural exchanges, and mutual cooperation across various sectors.
