The Duke of Edinburgh hosted an elegant lunch at Lancaster House on February 25, bringing together Central Asian foreign ministers in a rare setting.
The event saw ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan come together under one roof, with HRH at the center of discussions highlighting the UK’s continued commitment to the region.
Nor did the lunch serve as a platform of inspiration for young Central Asian students, who had the opportunity to meet the Duke and hear directly about the UK’s initiatives in education, cultural exchange and international collaboration.
Programs such as Chevening, El-Yurt Umidi and Oxford Hub have been touted as pillars supporting talent, leadership and global connections in the region.
Duchess Sophie’s husband spoke warmly with the participants, answering questions from ministers and students.
Alongside HRH, the five Central Asian Foreign Ministers, alongside Lord Alderdice, added an extra layer of gravitas to a lunch combining diplomacy, education and international friendship.
