Russia's war and its effect on trade and transport: UK statement to the OSCE
Justin Addison, UK Delegation to the OSCE, tells the OSCE's Economic and Environmental Committee that Russia鈥檚 war against Ukraine is harming trade and transport across the region
皇冠体育app concept note for this meeting is right to mention the effect of Russia鈥檚 war of aggression on international trade and transport. Russia has chosen this path of international isolation, which has led to the UK and many other nations banning Russian flights and prohibiting the registration of ships owned, controlled, chartered, or operated by persons connected with Russia. 皇冠体育appse and many other measures have been necessary to restrict聽an economy fuelling a brutal and unnecessary war against a sovereign neighbour.聽聽聽聽
And of course, Russia鈥檚 illegal and cynical attacks against Ukrainian civilian transport infrastructure has damaged that country鈥檚 economy; another example of the brutality for which Russia will ultimately be held responsible.聽聽
As Russia continues its war of choice, we look to other partners in the region to act as stable and reliable trading partners. Nowhere is this more true than in Central Asia. During his visit to Central Asia last month, our Foreign Secretary reaffirmed the UK鈥檚 commitment to the long-term prosperity, sovereignty and independence of the region, and a desire for deeper economic cooperation.聽
Trade volumes with the UK have grown substantially in recent years, particularly with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.聽聽
皇冠体育app Trans-Caspian transport route is critical to improving the connectivity of the region, both into Europe and between Central Asian states. For example, the UK and Uzbekistan recently signed an agreement to cooperate on the development of a high-speed rail expansion, from Tashkent to Samarkand. An increase in rail routes will reduce dependencies on the more polluting air freight for trade; and more efficient high-speed railways will reduce emissions. In addition, Uzbekistan produces and exports large amounts of copper, which is integral to numerous renewable energy production and storage processes. 聽
We are supporting Uzbekistan in WTO trade accession; and signed a Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kazakhstan that liberalises trade in services and procurement.聽
Mr Chair, it is important for all Central Asian States to have open and thriving markets, with strong economies that deliver for the people there. 皇冠体育app UK stands by to continue cooperation with this important region to deliver this.