The UK has embarked on a quest to establish a new political framework aimed at enhancing its relations with Central Asia and countering regional rivals. In response to the Russia-Ukraine War and China’s expanding influence in the region, the UK has initiated a high-level strategy to redefine its approach to Central Asia. Nevertheless, there are concerns about the scale and scope of this effort. Even UK authorities are uncertain whether the current regional policies have the capacity to meet these new challenges.

BACKGROUND: UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron visited Central Asia in April 2024, announcing a new policy of rapprochement with these nations. During his tour, he visited Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, as well as Mongolia. This initiative comes at a time when Russia is seeking to circumvent sanctions with the assistance of third countries. The initiative was announced as a “new era” in the UK’s relations with the region.

Full article: https://www.cacianalyst.org/publications/analytical-articles/item/13801-the-uk-seeks-to-engage-central-asia-as-a-latecomer.html