UK FCDO Minister Leo Docherty discusses cooperation with officials in Uzbekistan
UK Minister Leo Docherty Visits Uzbekistan for Second Time
On January 10, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Minister responsible for relations with Central Asia, Leo Docherty, made his second visit to Uzbekistan. This visit comes just a month after hosting Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov, in London for the 5th UK-Uzbekistan Strategic Dialogue. During his visit to Tashkent, Docherty met with a range of government officials, including Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Shavkat Rakhmonov, Deputy Minister for Mining Industry and Geology A’zam Kadirkhodjaev, and Deputy Foreign Minister Muzaffar Madrakhimov.
One of Docherty’s highlights during his visit was his trip to the first British University in Uzbekistan, Westminster International University in Tashkent, where he observed the developing ties in education between the UK and Uzbekistan. He was accompanied by the First Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science, and Innovations, Komiljon Karimov. The visit aimed to bolster cooperation in various areas such as energy, education links, counter-terrorism, and human rights.
Docherty expressed his satisfaction with the growing ties between the UK and Uzbekistan, stating, “The ties between the UK and Uzbekistan are going from strength to strength. Building on last month’s Political Dialogue in London, we’re working closer than ever to strengthen our cooperation on governance, security, climate change, and human rights. The UK’s support for political stability, long-lasting reform, and sustainable economic development in Uzbekistan is unwavering.”
In addition to his official meetings, Docherty also took the time to visit Chorsu bazaar, immersing himself in the local culture. His visit emphasized the UK’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Uzbekistan and fostering cooperation in various fields.
