The United Kingdom and Kazakhstan have officially marked the entry into force of the UK-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (SPCA), opening a new chapter in bilateral relations and creating a modern framework for closer cooperation across trade, investment, critical minerals, education, energy, science and technology, DKNews.kz reports.
The agreement is expected to strengthen political dialogue while providing businesses and institutions in both countries with greater opportunities for long-term collaboration.
A stronger framework for economic cooperation
The SPCA establishes a comprehensive foundation for expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
Photo source: Akorda press office
Key areas include:
- Trade and investment
- Critical minerals
- Energy
- Financial services
- Infrastructure
- Education
- Science and technology
- Sustainable development
The agreement is designed to create a more predictable and business-friendly environment, encouraging British and Kazakh companies to develop new investment projects and strengthen supply chains.
Business partnerships already gaining momentum
The agreement comes as economic cooperation between the two countries continues to grow.
One recent example is the five-year US$107 million agreement signed in Astana between the UK's Maritime House and Kazakhstan's Zhezkazganredmet to expand cooperation in rhenium recycling.
The partnership is expected to support an additional US$30 million investment project in Saran focused on producing metallic rhenium from secondary raw materials.
Rhenium is a strategically important metal widely used in aerospace manufacturing and other advanced technologies, making it increasingly valuable for resilient global supply chains.
The project reflects the type of high-value industrial cooperation the new agreement aims to promote by combining British expertise with Kazakhstan's industrial capabilities.
New opportunities in transport and infrastructure
Cooperation is also expanding beyond industrial projects.
The agreement highlights growing opportunities in transport connectivity and infrastructure, including investment plans by Car Park Transformer along the Trans-Caspian corridor.
These initiatives are expected to strengthen regional logistics and support sustainable economic connectivity between Europe and Central Asia.
Education partnership continues to grow
Education remains one of the strongest pillars of UK-Kazakhstan cooperation.
The UK's educational presence in Kazakhstan currently includes:
- Four university campuses
- Three schools
- Numerous dual-degree programmes
- More than 250 Chevening Scholarship alumni
Additional UK educational institutions are scheduled to open in Kazakhstan in September 2026.
Ambassador: The agreement signals a new stage of cooperation
British Ambassador to Kazakhstan Sally Axworthy described the agreement as an important step forward in bilateral relations.
Photo source: Akorda press office
«The entry into force of the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement is more than a diplomatic milestone. It is a signal of intent. The UK and Kazakhstan are ready to take a successful partnership to a new level and to seize the opportunities on offer in a rapidly changing world. The UK is open for business. The SPCA gives our companies, universities and innovators a stronger platform to work together, invest and deliver practical results. From critical minerals and energy to education, technology and sustainable growth, this agreement sets the course for the next chapter of UK-Kazakhstan cooperation.»
Building on more than a decade of partnership
The United Kingdom and Kazakhstan established their strategic partnership in 2013.
Over the past decade, cooperation has expanded across numerous sectors, including:
- Energy
- Financial services
- Civil aviation
- Education
- Biodiversity conservation
British expertise contributed to the establishment of the Astana International Financial Centre and its English law-based court, while Air Astana was launched in partnership with the UK's BAe Systems.
The two countries have also worked together on environmental initiatives, including the internationally recognised recovery of the saiga antelope population.
Looking ahead
Signed in Astana on 24 April 2024, the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement provides mechanisms for deeper collaboration across government, business and academia.
As global demand grows for secure supply chains, technological innovation and sustainable economic development, the SPCA is expected to provide a long-term platform for both countries to respond jointly to emerging opportunities and shared challenges.
Why it matters
The entry into force of the SPCA marks one of the most significant developments in UK-Kazakhstan relations in recent years. Beyond strengthening political dialogue, the agreement is expected to encourage investment, expand educational and scientific cooperation, support critical minerals projects and deepen business ties, creating new opportunities for economic growth in both countries.
