Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 17
Convene Central Asia 5+UK meeting and offer diplomatic capacity building for cooperation
Recommendation
There is a genuine interest in Central Asian capitals in greater cooperation between the five countries. Such cooperation plays an important part in defending their independence from large and assertive neighbours such as China and Russia. It can help build on their shared history and cultural proximity to reduce the risk of conflict, not least over dwindling shared resources. The UK is well placed to support this ambition, due to its good standing in Central Asian capitals, highly experienced diplomatic service and convening power at the UN. Consequently, we recommend that: a) a Central Asia 5+UK meeting is held in 2024, with the potential for follow-ups, to better understand how the UK can support regional cooperation. A single issue, such as renewable energy, should be identified for this meeting and result in concrete objectives for action. b) an offer is made by the FCDO of high-quality capacity building for the diplomatic corps of Central Asian countries through a Diplomatic Academy, enhancing the skills required for greater regional and international cooperation, as recommended for other Asian countries in our 2023 report on the Government’s tilt to the Indo- Pacific.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees to support Central Asian cooperation and is exploring opportunities for a Ministerial CA5+UK meeting in 2024. However, they partially accept the diplomatic capacity building recommendation, offering informal support rather than a dedicated academy due to resource limitations.
Paragraph Reference:
17
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
Agree. We agree with the Committee’s assessment of the importance of supporting cooperation among the five Central Asian republics (CA5). The CA5 themselves have made progress in recent years in intensifying their links in different sectors and at every level. The FCDO’s objective is to encourage further collaboration. Greater regional integration - to foster sustainable economic development, trade, climate action and collaboration on energy and water networks - is essential for the region’s stability, sovereignty and prosperity. We are exploring opportunities for a Ministerial CA5+UK meeting in 2024 and considering the format and agenda most conducive to a productive discussion. We are also drawing on the experience of partners who have previously hosted meetings in this configuration to gain their insights and explore synergies. In July, Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, invited the five Central Asian Ambassadors in London to discuss shared priorities. He intends to use this format for further exchanges on issues of regional interest. Partially Agree. We agree with the Committee on the value of sharing professional diplomatic expertise and will continue to consider opportunities for doing so on an informal basis with the five Central Asian republics. Examples of where this has already been done (or is being explored) include offering places for Turkmen MFA officials on existing English language training for defence forces and working with UK commercial providers and higher education institutions to build capability for Kazakh officials. The UK Civil Service College has recently visited Kazakhstan to discuss training opportunities. However, setting up a Diplomatic Academy requires a significant investment in resources in terms of expertise, people, and funding. The FCDO International Academy’s purpose is to build the capability of staff working internationally for the UK Government. Its resources and capacity are not currently sufficient to support the development of initiatives overseas.