Cameron to press need for sanctions on Russia during C Asia visi

NDON: Lord David Cameron is visiting Central Asia in a bid to boost British ties with the region amid con cerns about trade sanctions on Russia being side-stepped in neighbouring countries. On a five-day trip, the For eign Secretary will travel to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbek istan, Turkmenistan, Kaza khstan and Mongolia seeking to promote business and cultural links with the UK. He will warn the region is “at the epicentre of some of the biggest challenges we face” as he announces a series of meas ures aimed at supporting its “hard-won sovereignty”. The trip, which is the first by a British foreign secretary to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turk menistan, comes as reports sug gest luxury UK cars are still making their way to Moscow through former Soviet states. Exports of high-end vehicles to Russia were banned by Britain after President Vladimir Putin waged warin Ukraine two years ago, but there are con cerns over a sudden spike in sales to nearby countries. It is believed that vehicles are then sent on to Moscow, with Sky News reporting a 1,860% increase in vehicles sold to Azerbaijan last year com pared with five years preceding the invasion. In talks with leaders from across the region, Lord Cameron will seek to “advance discus sions on sanctions circumven tion, human rights and reform”, the Foreign Office said. He will double the amount offunding for Chevening Scholarships, which support people overseas study ing inBritish universities, and an nounce £50 million overthe next three years in development spending across the region. A new scheme designed to promote the English language will also be announced, includ ing online teaching resources with tailored local content avail able to teachers throughout Cen tral Asia, the Foreign Office said. During the visit, the Foreign Secretary will visit sites includ ing a hydro-electric project in Tajikistan, which is heavily de pendent on Russia for its econ omy, and a canal irrigation site in Kyrgyzstan.

Lord Cameron said: “We live in a contested, competitive world. “If you want to protect and promote British interests you need to get out there and compete. “Central Asia is at the epicentre of some of the biggest challenges we face and it’s vital for the UK and the region that we drive forward its future prosperity.” —PA