Azerbaijan and the UK are Strategic Partners – Doughty

During a visit to Baku on August 25, UK Minister of State for Europe Stephen Doughty announced the elevation of relations between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan to the level of a strategic partnership.

The discussions he held in Baku focused on the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and regional security, according to the UK Embassy in Baku.

The visit highlights the UK's commitment to deepening cooperation in economic growth, security, education, and the fight against climate change in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus.

Doughty held high-level bilateral talks reflecting the depth and breadth of UK-Azerbaijan cooperation. During a meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister of State discussed opportunities to expand collaboration in economic development and security, noting Azerbaijan's key role in ensuring regional stability and prosperity.

The Minister's separate conversation with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev confirmed the UK's high appreciation for Azerbaijan's constructive leadership in regional peacemaking processes. These talks underscored the UK's readiness to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives that promote stability and cooperation throughout the South Caucasus, the press release further stated.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Doughty participated in "substantive bilateral talks" with Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and co-chaired the sixth Strategic Dialogue between the UK and Azerbaijan. "These discussions underscored the commitment of both countries to addressing contemporary challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and broader regional security issues. The meetings demonstrated that the UK recognizes Azerbaijan as an indispensable partner in navigating a complex geopolitical situation and maintaining regional stability. The UK and Azerbaijan agreed to elevate relations to a strategic partnership level, which will allow both countries to cooperate even more closely on key strategic priorities," the British Embassy press release further noted.

As part of the visit, a working lunch was held with representatives of British companies operating in Azerbaijan, during which participants discussed expanded opportunities for investment and strategic partnership. "Azerbaijan's position as a regional energy leader and its exceptional potential in developing the 'Middle Corridor' trade route were central topics of these discussions. This cooperation directly supports the UK's mission to become a clean energy superpower while contributing to Azerbaijan's economic diversification and development goals," the British side stated.

The visit was part of Minister Doughty's broader tour of the South Caucasus, demonstrating the UK's unwavering commitment to maintaining regional stability following the recent breakthrough in peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The successful conclusion of this visit marks a new chapter in relations between the UK and Azerbaijan, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and a recognition of both countries' contributions to regional prosperity and security.

According to informed sources, Doughty also held a separate meeting attended by representatives of civil society, lawyers, and the LGBT community.

However, information about this was not reflected in the official press release.