18 Feb 2026

BKS Webinar: The Central Asian Countries - A 2026 External View

The British-Kazakh Society hosted a high-level online webinar bringing together His Majesty’s Ambassadors to all five Central Asian countries to discuss regional priorities for 2026, with particular focus on trade, investment and the United Kingdom’s strategic outlook.

The session opened with welcome remarks from Rupert Goodman OBE DL, Chairman of the British-Kazakh Society, and was hosted by David Skeels, Director of BKS. The discussion was moderated by Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia & Eurasia at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), London.

Each Ambassador provided insights into their respective country’s political and economic landscape, outlining priority areas for UK engagement, emerging opportunities for trade and investment, and the broader geopolitical dynamics shaping the region. The discussion highlighted Central Asia’s growing strategic relevance, and increasing interest from international partners.

The webinar concluded with a moderated audience Q&A, allowing participants to engage directly with the Ambassadors on regional developments and prospects for 2026.

The event offered a valuable diplomatic overview of Central Asia at a time of evolving global dynamics and reaffirmed the importance of sustained UK engagement across the region.

Panellists:

H.E. Sally Axworthy MBE - His Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana)


H.E. Nic Bowler - His Majesty's Ambassador to Kyrgyz Republic (Bishkek)


H.E. Katherine Smitton - His Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan (Dushanbe)


H.E. Stephen Conlon - His Majesty's Ambassador to Turkmenistan (Ashgabat)


H.E. Timothy Smart - His Majesty's Ambassador to the Republic of Uzbekistan (Tashkent)