§ Lord Kilclooneyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What progress has been made to establish an embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan; whether sites for this embassy have been identified; whether the authorities in Astana have extended support for such an embassy; and whether the decision is dependent upon co-operation from other European Union member states. [HL1138]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanA suitable location in Astana has been identified for the move of the British Embassy in Kazakhstan during the next financial year.
The Kazakh authorities have been very helpful in identifying possible sites for a British long-term presence in Astana.
We continue to discuss the matter closely With other European Union members, but the decision to establish an embassy in Astana is not dependent upon their co-operation.