On 12 September 2025, the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS) hosted a meeting between Director Eldor Aripov and representatives of the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The British delegation included Jonathan Evans, Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the FCDO, Laurence Broyd, Department Expert, and David Pert, Political Counselor at the Political Counselor at the British Embassy in Tashkent.

During the talks, the guests were briefed in detail on the development of regional cooperation in Central Asia and the situation in Afghanistan.

It was emphasized that today Central Asia is emerging as a space of trust, good-neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation. In this context, it was noted that Uzbekistan is taking consistent steps to strengthen interaction and regional consolidation, which helps foster coordinated approaches to addressing common challenges.

The interlocutors also expressed interest in Uzbekistan’s position on promoting peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan. It was underscored that the country’s economic recovery and its integration into interregional trade links are viewed as key conditions for ensuring lasting peace. A stable Afghanistan opens strategic opportunities not only for enhancing transregional connectivity but also for maintaining security across the vast Eurasian space.

In addition, the meeting participants discussed promising areas of cooperation such as advanced technologies, education, climate change mitigation, and the development of green energy. It was noted that the implementation of joint initiatives in these fields would contribute to further strengthening bilateral relations.

Following the talks, the parties confirmed their mutual interest in expanding constructive and mutually beneficial partnership. The importance of establishing an expert dialogue was highlighted, as it would help strengthen mutual understanding and develop coordinated approaches to key issues on the bilateral and regional agenda.