Cameron In Kazakhstan For Trade Mission

David Cameron will hold talks with Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev today as part of a controversial trade mission to the country.

The official visit, the first by a serving British premier, is aimed at building strong business links and deals worth £700m to UK firms are set to be signed.

But Mr Cameron has been forced to reject assertions he was putting economic ties with the mineral-rich nation ahead of concerns over human rights abuses.

The Prime Minister insisted that "Britain always stands up for human rights wherever we are in the world" and said the allegations would be raised in the talks.

He said: "We will raise all the issues including human rights. That's part of our dialogue and I'll be signing a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan.

David Cameron recently met with Pakistan's PM Nawaz Sharif

"We need for Britain to get out there and win. We need our businesses to win.

"We need that growth and investment. Countries like Kazakhstan are rapidly growing and one day will be among the top 10 producers."

Campaign group Human Rights Watch have claimed there is a "serious and deteriorating" situation in Kazakhstan.

This includes "credible allegations of torture, the imprisonment of government critics, tight controls over the media and freedom of expression and association, limits on religious freedom, and continuing violations of workers' rights".

Amnesty International UK's head of policy and government affairs Allan Hogarth said: "Kazakhstan might be knee-deep in oil and gas wealth, but David Cameron shouldn't let lucrative energy deals prevent him from raising human rights during his trip."

The Prime Minister is leading a 30 strong business delegation to the country as he seeks to open a new chapter in the relationship with Kazakhstan.

Downing Street has acknowledged Mr Cameron is playing "catch-up" because other Western leaders have already visited the country.

Kazakhstan is experiencing rapid growth due to its vast oil and mineral reserves.

The Government believes British firms could secure contracts in Kazakhstan worth up to £85bn over the coming years.

Mr Cameron and Mr Nazarbayev began talks last night during a two hour flight on the presidential jet.

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