The Duke of Edinburgh hosted an elegant lunch at Lancaster House on February 25, bringing together Central Asian foreign ministers for a rare meeting.
The event brought together ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan under one roof, with HRH at the center of discussions highlighting the UK’s ongoing commitment to the region.
The lunch also did not serve as an inspiring platform for young students from Central Asia, who were given the opportunity to meet the Duke and hear first-hand about the UK’s initiatives in education, cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Programs such as Chevening, El‑Yurt Umidi and Oxford Hub were highlighted as pillars supporting talent, leadership and global connections in the region.
Duchess Sophie’s husband interacted warmly with attendees and answered questions from both ministers and students.
HRH was joined by the five Foreign Ministers from Central Asia along with Lord Alderdice, adding an extra layer of gravitas to a lunch that combined diplomacy, education and international friendship.
