Further Steps to Enhance Kazakh-British Cooperation Mapped Out at Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry

Astana, February 8, 2024 – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko met with Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the Republic of Kazakhstan Kathy Leach.

The parties welcomed the positive development of Kazakh-British political dialogue, trade and economic relations as well as people-to-people ties.

In terms of further deepening bilateral cooperation, the diplomats highlighted the importance of strengthening the legal framework and expressed the intention to sign the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom in the nearest future. As Roman Vassilenko noted, concluding the SPCA will contribute to the further growth of Kazakh-UK strategic cooperation, paving the way for new favorable conditions for the development of trade and investment links.

The parties also expressed satisfaction with the dynamic cooperation in the field of science and education, including in attracting British academic institutions and universities to Kazakhstan.

Furthermore, the parties discussed the prospects for engagement on issues on the regional and international agenda. The diplomats reiterated mutual interest in expanding cooperation in tackling climate change and water resources management.

For reference: The United Kingdom is an important trade partner and one of the biggest investors of Kazakhstan. Bilateral trade turnover in 2023 amounted to 1.18 bln US dollars (export - 702.9 mln, import - 478.7 mln). Since 2005, the gross inflow of direct investment from the UK to Kazakhstan has exceeded 17.1 billion US dollars.