In his role as Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty MP visited Tajikistan and Turkmenistan to champion British climate and business expertise in the region.
Central Asia is a region of huge strategic importance, straddling Europe, Asia and the Middle East and bordering Russia, China and Iran. It is an area of growing importance for the UK's prosperity and security interests. Throughout the duration of his visit to the two nations of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, Leo championed British business and the role UK expertise can play in the transition to clean energy, building on the success from his previous visit to the region last month.
Cementing relations with the region as a close and valued partner is of huge importance to both Governments, particularly given the economic uncertainty caused in the region by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and the security situation in Afghanistan.
During Leo's first official to Tajikistan, he met with Deputy Prime Minister Usmonali Usmonzoda at the Nurek Dam, the largest dam in Central Asia and one of the highest dams in the world, to discuss energy security and how British expertise can help Tajikistan deliver clean secure energy and address climate risks.
Leo also met with Commander of the Border Force of Tajikistan Rajabali Rahmonali, to discuss and explore deepening UK-Tajikistan counter terrorism co-operation in the face of the situation in Afghanistan. During this meeting, Leo encouraged further demarcation of the border with Kyrgyzstan, following deadly clashes in 2022.
In the first visit to Turkmenistan by a UK Minister since 2015, Leo pushed for reductions in methane emissions and outlined the opportunities to strengthen efforts to tackle climate change in the region, whilst offering the UK’s support for domestic reforms in the country. Throughout the visit, Leo held talks with officials and business leaders to discuss emerging opportunities for British businesses.
In a demonstration of hands-on diplomacy, Leo visited the Turkmen carpet museum, which houses the largest hand-made carpet in the world, to try his hand at weaving and reinforce the UK-Turkmenistan textile and cultural links.
Commenting, Leo said:
"Since their independence, the UK has been unwavering in its support for security, stability and prosperity of Central Asian states. I am here to highlight the role that UK expertise can play in tackling some of the region’s most pressing climate and security challenges."