On 19 November 2025, the Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) hosted a meeting with a delegation of the British Embassy in Tashkent. The British side was represented by Mr Alastair Totti, Head of Department at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Ms Alice Draper, Head of the Regional Group on Afghanistan, and Ms Gemma Warren, Secretary at the British Embassy. IAIS was represented by Director Dr Akram Umarov, Deputy Director Odil Gafarov, and Leading Research Fellows Aziza Mukhammedova and Mushtariy Usmonova.

During the meeting, the guests were briefed on IAIS’s research agenda, the work of its thematic and regional centres, and the Institute’s experience in implementing projects supported by the United Kingdom’s foreign policy institutions. The sides exchanged views on how analytical centres such as IAIS can contribute to a deeper understanding of security trends in Central Asia and provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers in Uzbekistan and partner countries.

The British delegation presented the main elements of the United Kingdom’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy and outlined its comprehensive approach to preventing attacks, countering radicalisation and strengthening cooperation with international partners.

In conclusion, both sides expressed their interest in further strengthening co-operation between IAIS and the British Embassy, including through expert exchanges, joint discussions and analytical work on regional security. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepen dialogue on emerging threats and to explore practical avenues for partnership that support peace, stability and resilience in Uzbekistan and the wider region.