UK Government's Response to Foreign Affairs Committee's Call for Enhanced Engagement in Central Asia
The UK Government has officially responded to the Foreign Affairs Committee's report titled "Countries at Crossroads: UK Engagement in Central Asia." The report urged consistent and high-level engagement with Central Asian countries while emphasizing the need to prevent the UK's financial services, particularly in the City of London, from being utilized to harbor illicit finance from the region.
Diplomatic Engagement and High-Level Meetings:
In alignment with the Committee's recommendations, the Government has expressed its agreement on the importance of diplomatic engagement with Central Asian nations. The response specifically endorses the Committee's suggestion to hold a diplomatic meeting in 2024 between the UK and the "Central Asia 5" countries, namely Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The Government is currently exploring the optimal format for such a meeting.
The Government also acknowledges the value of senior Ministerial engagements with the region, citing instances such as the historic visit by the then-Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Kazakhstan in March 2023. However, specific plans for future Ministerial engagements, including visits by the Prime Minister or a Secretary of State, remain unspecified in the response.
Addressing Illicit Finance:
On the issue of illicit finance, the Government asserts that the proceeds of corruption are unwelcome in the UK. Notably, the response does not directly address the Committee's recommendation to close off opportunities for Russian sanctions evasion in the City of London, a significant channel for illicit finance from Central Asia.
In an effort to combat financial crimes, the Government discloses a commitment of £400 million to fund economic crime enforcement over the next three years. This includes adding 475 financial crime investigators and expanding the National Crime Agency's Combatting Kleptocracy Cell. However, the response falls short of directly responding to the Committee's criticism of under-enforcing prosecutions for financial crime.
Chair's Perspective:
Alicia Kearns MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledges positive steps taken by the Government, such as the commitment to a "Central Asia 5 + UK" meeting in 2024. Recognizing the geopolitical significance of Central Asia, Kearns emphasizes the importance of diplomatic engagement in the region.
While welcoming the additional funds allocated for economic crime enforcement, Kearns expresses skepticism about whether these actions will be sufficient to curb the flow of illicit finance through the City of London. She stresses the need for ongoing scrutiny and reviews of the Government's actions, especially in light of Russia's attempts to exert influence in the region.
In conclusion, the response highlights the UK Government's acknowledgment of key recommendations put forth by the Foreign Affairs Committee, setting the stage for continued discussions on enhancing diplomatic ties and addressing financial challenges in the context of Central Asia. The evolving landscape will likely shape future policies and actions in the region.
