BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 20. Uzbekistan and the
United Kingdom discussed expanding cooperation in transport
infrastructure.
This was reflected in the statement by the Ministry of Transport
of Uzbekistan, following the meeting between Transport Minister
Ilkhom Makhkamov and a British delegation led by U.K. Minister for
Investment Lord Jason Stockwood.
The talks, attended by British Ambassador to Uzbekistan Timothy
Smart and representatives of the U.K. Export Finance (UKEF) agency,
focused on strengthening bilateral collaboration in the transport
sector and advancing joint infrastructure projects.
Makhkamov emphasized Uzbekistan’s interest in deepening dialogue
with the United Kingdom and implementing new transport initiatives.
He highlighted the practical importance of attracting British
companies, international financial institutions, investment,
technology, and industry expertise to support the country’s
infrastructure development plans.
British officials expressed strong interest in participating in
Uzbekistan’s transport infrastructure projects, including the
proposed Tashkent–Samarkand railway, as well as airport and
aviation infrastructure developments.
"Technical documentation for key highway construction projects
and the proposed Tashkent–Samarkand railway has already been
completed and is ready for review by potential international
financing partners," Makhkamov said.
Uzbekistan is ready to provide the materials to UKEF for review
as part of efforts to explore potential British financing for the
projects.
During the discussions, Stockwood proposed organizing a working
visit to the United Kingdom for a delegation of Uzbek transport
officials led by Makhkamov to strengthen ties between the two
countries’ transport agencies and expand the scope of future
cooperation.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain
regular dialogue aimed at accelerating ongoing initiatives,
developing new joint projects, and further expanding transport
cooperation between Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom.
