Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom are looking to strengthen their inter-parliamentary ties as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across political, economic and institutional areas. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alibek Bakayev, met with members of the UK Parliament and representatives of the British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU), where discussions focused on expanding parliamentary dialogue and giving fresh momentum to relations between the two countries.

kazakhstan-and-uk-2.jpg

Kurultai Elections in Focus

During the meeting, Ambassador Bakayev briefed British parliamentarians on Kazakhstan’s recent elections to the newly established Kurultai. The first elections to the Kurultai were held on August 23 under Kazakhstan’s new constitutional framework. The unicameral legislature consists of 145 deputies elected through a nationwide proportional representation system for five-year terms. The discussions provided an opportunity to exchange views on Kazakhstan’s evolving parliamentary system while examining possibilities for closer engagement between lawmakers from both countries.

kazakhstan-and-uk-3.webp

Building a Broader Partnership

The meeting also explored ways to expand Kazakhstan–UK cooperation beyond parliamentary exchanges. Earlier discussions between Bakayev and UK officials identified political dialogue, trade and investment, critical minerals, energy, transport, education and artificial intelligence among priority areas for developing bilateral relations. The Kazakhstan–UK Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement entered into force earlier this year, providing an expanded institutional framework for cooperation. Both sides expressed interest in maintaining constructive engagement and developing stronger links between their respective parliamentary institutions. The dialogue reflects continuing efforts to broaden the Kazakhstan–UK partnership and create additional channels for cooperation between Astana and London.