UK Minister visits Baku to advance UK-Azerbaijan partnership

• Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty announces upgrading the UK-Azerbaijan relationship to a Strategic Partnership during official visit to Baku

• discussions focused on Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and regional security

• visit underscores UK commitment to deepening cooperation on UK Growth, Security, Education, and Climate objectives in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus

On 25 August 2025, Minister Stephen Doughty completed his significant official visit to Baku, marking the first engagement by a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for Europe since 2023. The visit underscores the United Kingdom's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan, recognised as one of the UK's most strategically important partners in the South Caucasus region.

During his comprehensive one-day programme, Minister Doughty paid his respects at the Alley of Martyrs and Commonwealth War Memorial; engaged in high-level bilateral discussions that reflect the depth and breadth of UK-Azerbaijan cooperation. In his meeting with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister explored opportunities for expanded collaboration across economic development and security cooperation, acknowledging Azerbaijan's pivotal role in regional stability and prosperity.

The Minister's separate discussion with Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, reinforced the United Kingdom's appreciation for Azerbaijan's constructive leadership in regional peace-building processes. These exchanges highlighted the UK's readiness to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives that advance stability and cooperation throughout the South Caucasus.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Doughty participated in substantive bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and co-chaired the sixth UK-Azerbaijan Strategic Dialogue. These discussions emphasised both nations' commitment to addressing contemporary challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and broader regional security concerns. The meetings demonstrated the United Kingdom's recognition of Azerbaijan as an indispensable partner in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics whilst maintaining regional stability. The UK and Azerbaijan have agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic Partnership which will allow both countries to work even closer together on key strategic priorities.

The visit featured a working lunch with British businesses operating in Azerbaijan, where participants explored enhanced opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships. Azerbaijan's position as a regional energy leader and its exceptional potential to shape the development of the Middle Corridor trade route were central to these discussions. This collaboration directly supports Britain's mission to become a clean energy superpower whilst simultaneously advancing Azerbaijan's continued economic diversification and development objectives.

Minister Doughty's engagement with the UK-Azerbaijan Alumni Association celebrated the robust and enduring educational connections between both nations. These discussions emphasised how people-to-people relationships serve as fundamental pillars in building stronger bilateral relations and fostering mutual understanding across diverse sectors.

This diplomatic engagement reinforced the United Kingdom's position as a dependable partner committed to supporting economic development and regional security cooperation. The visit formed part of Minister Doughty's broader South Caucasus tour, demonstrating Britain's sustained commitment to supporting regional stability following the recent breakthrough in Azerbaijan-Armenia peace negotiations.

The successful conclusion of this visit marks a renewed chapter in UK-Azerbaijan relations, built upon mutual respect, shared interests, and recognition of both nations' contributions to regional prosperity and security.

Minister Doughty's opening speech during 6th UK-Azerbaijan strategic dialogue:

Foreign Minister Bayramov, Deputy Minister Rzayev, colleagues and friends,

It's a pleasure to be here in Baku for the sixth edition of our Strategic Dialogue – thank you for the warm welcome.

This region has long held a special place in my heart. One of my first roles after university was with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, working on regional issues across the Caucasus.

That experience shaped my understanding of the challenges and opportunities here – and it's a privilege to be here now in a ministerial capacity.

I'm especially glad to join you at such a significant moment, so soon after President Aliyev's meeting with President Trump and Prime Minister Pashinyan.

Let me start by congratulating you on the bold steps taken in Washington towards peace.

This is a moment of real hope for a more stable, prosperous South Caucasus – and the UK stands ready to support you in turning that hope into lasting reality.

This dialogue is not just timely – it also reflects the strength of our relationship.

Ours is a partnership that is rooted in mutual respect and with strong foundations, but with shared ambition on how it can grow.

From energy to education, from security to culture, we've built solid connections – not just between our governments, but increasingly between our people.

Economically, our ties are strong and growing.

BP's long-standing presence here is well known, but I'm equally excited by new partnerships in clean energy, infrastructure and professional services.

Chapman Taylor's work in Shusha and Nakhchivan and a successful UK Export Finance deal for flight simulators show how UK expertise is helping shape Azerbaijan's future.

And our countries are looking to the future together – as demonstrated when Prime Minister Kier Starmer led one of the most senior and expert delegations to COP29 last year.

That signalled our deep commitment to climate action and our respect for Azerbaijan's leadership on the global stage.  With our energy partnership, collaboration on carbon markets and UK support in shaping Baku Climate Action Week once again, we want to help secure the legacy of your COP29 Presidency here at home too.

Security cooperation is another vital pillar. In a world of complex threats, our collaboration on defence, cybersecurity, counter-narcotics and regional stability matters more than ever.

I want to thank Azerbaijan for its support to British nationals during recent tensions – your help was deeply appreciated. Our Consular cooperation is growing along with the links between our people, and I welcome our next round of consultations in London later this year.

International education is another matter close to my heart - I personally benefitted from a scholarship that changed my life. Minister Bayramov and Deputy Foreign Minister Rzayev, I believe that the British Council and British teachers were part of your educational journey too.

And today, programmes like Chevening and the joint renewable energy degree between Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and Warwick University are shaping the next generation of leaders in our countries.

It's wonderful to see so many Azerbaijani students choosing the UK, especially the best and the brightest studying under the State Scholarship Scheme – and I look forward to welcoming more in the years to come.

So, we have a lot to talk about – and I look forward to making the most of this meeting as an opportunity to deepen our ties and reaffirm our shared vision.

Whether it's peace, prosperity or tackling global challenges, the UK is here as a friend and partner – so thank you again for hosting me, and I look forward to our discussions.