Protecting workers, energy, and education: Key deals between Kazakhstan and the UK
London hosted the 8th meeting of the Kazakhstan-UK Strategic Dialogue, during which a memorandum was signed to protect the rights of Kazakh citizens working in the UK under the seasonal workers program, Kazinform News Agency reports.
Kazinform correspondent reports on what else the two countries agreed upon.
From politics to environmental issues
The meeting was chaired by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Roman Vassilenko, and the UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Stephen Doughty. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, ecology, culture, and security. Particular focus was given to partnership opportunities in investment, energy, and education, as well as pressing regional and international challenges.
Economic growth was a key topic, as it remains a top priority for the UK’s new Labour government. In this context, two sides explored promising areas of cooperation that could drive growth and create new job opportunities in both countries.
"Today, we outlined specific cooperation prospects in areas such as rare earth metals, transport and logistics, finance, and higher education. Moreover, our discussions on energy go beyond traditional sources—we are talking about green energy," said Vassilenko.
The UK is among the top 10 largest investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. Currently, 580 British-affiliated enterprises operate in the country, and the annual trade turnover between the two countries stands at £2.8 billion ($3.5 billion).
Protecting workers' rights
A key topic of discussion was the ratification process of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, which was signed in April 2024. Following the change of government in the UK in July, the new British leadership conducted an additional review of the document before introducing the ratification bill to Parliament. While this process may take some time, Roman Vassilenko assured Kazinform’s correspondent that "both sides are committed to the swift ratification of the agreement."
A significant outcome of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum on the protection of workers' rights under the UK’s seasonal workers program. The document, signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the UK's Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority, aims to enhance the protection of Kazakh citizens during their employment in the UK and strengthen labor and social relations between the two countries.
"I am very optimistic about our future partnership. We have also signed an important agreement that directly affects Kazakhstani seasonal workers in the UK, ensuring they are treated properly, as they play a significant role in our economy. Overall, the meeting was a success—we discussed many key issues and achieved positive outcomes," said UK Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Stephen Doughty.
Agriculture and mining
Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the UK, Magzhan Ilyassov, highlighted innovative agriculture and the mining industry as key areas for collaboration. With the UK’s extensive expertise in these sectors, active cooperation is expected to develop further in 2025.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction, the country has 9,000 deposits containing 103 types of mineral resources, including nickel, lithium, tungsten, cobalt, molybdenum, niobium, tin, tantalum, and titanium. Kazakhstan ranks 11th globally in nickel reserves, with over 2 million tons, presenting significant opportunities for partnerships in raw material security and high-tech processing.
Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Kathy Leach, emphasized the growing cooperation in education, announcing that a Cardiff University campus will open in Kazakhstan this year.
"The education sector is experiencing strong momentum. We already have three British university campuses (De Montfort, Heriot-Watt, and Coventry) and Cardiff University is set to open this year. Additionally, dual-degree programs and other forms of collaboration are expanding," noted Leach.
At the upcoming Kazakhstan-UK Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Investment in London, two sides plan to review the implementation of the roadmap for cooperation in critical minerals, which was signed in March 2024, and discuss the possibility of updating it.
The Kazakhstan-UK Strategic Dialogue, established in 2013, is held annually as a platform for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, focusing on identifying promising areas for partnership.
Earlier it was reported that the UK has appointed a new trade envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia.