Source · Select Committees · Foreign Affairs Committee
Tenth Report - Countries at crossroads: UK engagement in Central Asia
Foreign Affairs Committee
HC 1158
Published 10 November 2023
Recommendations
1
Accepted in Part
Para 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 …
Read more
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.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View Details →
3
Accepted in Part
Para 22
Increase high-level ministerial engagement with all five Central Asian countries over three years
Recommendation
If the aspirations of Global Britain are to be realised the Government must live up to them across the breadth of its international relationships. We welcome the ambition of the FCDO’s Europe and Central Asia directorate and the intention to …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, noting increased senior ministerial engagement, including recent visits. It commits to actively exploring further engagement opportunities in early 2024 and states the Foreign Secretary will consider appropriate future engagement, but does not fully commit to the scope of engagement recommended over three years.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View Details →
6
Accepted in Part
Para 30
Increase resources for law enforcement authorities to combat illicit finance effectively
Recommendation
While there has been progress in developing laws and regulations to curb money laundering in the UK in recent years, enforcement has been inadequate, not least because of a lack of enforcement capacity. State agencies have been under-resourced in comparison …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, detailing a sustainable funding model including £400 million over three years for economic crime bodies, with £63m for Companies House reform. They are recruiting 475 investigators and establishing/expanding specific cells within the National Crime Agency.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View Details →
7
Accepted in Part
Para 36
Implement comprehensive measures to combat Central Asian illicit finance and corruption
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government: a) Offers assistance to each of the Central Asian countries in building their domestic capacity to tackle corruption and money laundering as a contribution to their economic development. b) Encourages the National Crime Agency to …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, stating they provide existing capacity building support via law enforcement cooperation and will continue to respond to new opportunities. They are considering future governance interventions and are already running pilots through the EGED programme, alongside supporting Kazakhstan's financial intelligence capabilities.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View Details →
20
Accepted in Part
Proceed cautiously with Central Asian counter-terrorism cooperation, focusing on ethical military training
Recommendation
The Government should proceed with caution when engaging with Central Asian governments on the issue of terrorism and military to military cooperation. The threat of terrorism is often used as an excuse for tightening the authoritarian grip of the state …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, highlighting existing English language training and UN Peacekeeping support. It commits to continuing courses on the Law of Armed Conflict and ethical dimensions, involving the UK Armed Forces Islamic Religious Advisor, while also balancing counter-terrorism cooperation against human rights risks.
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
View Details →
Conclusions (1)
24
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 86
Engagement with Central Asian countries comes with significant potential for mutual benefit. Whether it be in terms of cultural exchange, migrant labour, investment in tech, creative industries, education or critical minerals, the countries of this region have hospitable cultures ready to embrace a closer relationship with the UK. Now is …
Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, committing to greater engagement with Central Asia and acknowledging the value of senior ministerial engagement. They state ministerial engagement has increased and they are exploring further opportunities for early 2024 visits.