Bishkek, Feb. 27, 2026 /Kabar/. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic, Jeenbek Kulubaev, participated in a ministerial meeting in the “Central Asia – United Kingdom” format on 26 February 2026, in London.
The meeting was also attended by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom.
The Foreign Ministers of the Central Asian states and the United Kingdom discussed ways to further strengthen dialogue within this new regional format, focusing on trade and economic cooperation, transport connectivity, investment, and joint efforts to address contemporary challenges and threats. A shared understanding was expressed that the “C5+UK” format would serve as an important platform for building a systematic dialogue and developing practical measures to enhance cooperation.
In his statement, Minister Kulubaev emphasized that Central Asia today represents a key geopolitical region strategically located between Asia and Europe, endowed with significant energy resources, strong human capital, and substantial transit potential. He noted that the peaceful settlement of state border issues between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Tajikistan not only serves as an example of constructive dialogue and effective cooperation in Central Asia, but also opens new prospects for expanding the region’s trade, economic, and investment relations with countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom.
In this context, he highlighted the relevance of expanding both bilateral and regional cooperation with the United Kingdom in the fields of trade, finance, energy, transport, climate, and education. He expressed hope that the success of the “C5+UK” format would be measured by concrete projects, investments, educational programmes, and sustainable mechanisms of interaction.
Addressing the issue of sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom, Minister Kulubaev conveyed concern about the potential negative impact of unilateral restrictive measures on trade, economic, and financial cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and the United Kingdom. He emphasized that the Kyrgyz side, opposing the politicization of international economic and commercial relations, remains ready for open and constructive dialogue aimed at reaching mutually acceptable and pragmatic solutions.