- UK Minister to engage in high-level talks with Armenian Prime
Minister and Foreign Minister
- Minister for Europe to reiterate UK support for Armenia’s
democratic and economic reforms
- he will urge for a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno
Karabakh conflict
During his first visit to Armenia this week (22-23 May), the UK’s
Minister for Europe, , will urge for a peaceful
resolution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as negotiations
continue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
He will call on both sides to continue substantive negotiations
to resolve all outstanding tensions – including the closure of
Lachin Corridor – in a peaceful and sustainable way.
He will also say that immediate action needs to be taken to
restore the flow of goods and people into Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ahead of the visit, Minister Docherty said:
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is affecting thousands of
people, and while we are supporting humanitarian efforts, the
only way this will end is through both sides continuing to engage
fully in good faith negotiations.
The UK is committed to supporting Armenia’s democratic and
economic reform agenda. I am proud that the UK is funding
programmes to protect freedoms and boost prosperity.
While in Yerevan, Minister Docherty will reiterate the UK’s
long-standing support for Armenia’s democratic and economic
development. During meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign
Minister, he will also discuss security, defence and the
strengthening of trade relations.
He will announce the launch of a Strategic Dialogue that will
take place between the two countries later this year as well as
underline a desire to sign a Comprehensive Enhanced Partnership,
an agreement which will enhance our countries economic
relationship.
In addition, Minister Docherty will meet Members of Parliament
and the Minister of Economy. He will also visit representatives
from across civil society and business, including companies with
ties to the UK. The Minister will discuss opportunities to
strengthen the UK-Armenia trading relationship and grow both of
our economies.
Minister Docherty will visit a Research and Training Centre at
the Armenian Parliament and a project developing the textiles
industry. They are both part of the UK’s programme to support
Armenia. The UK funded programmes worth nearly £4 million
supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic reform agenda in
2022.
As well as contributing to humanitarian efforts related to
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, UK funding is also supporting
Armenia’s efforts towards green transition; tackling
disinformation by promoting media self-regulation and effective
cooperation with the state authorities in regulating the sphere;
promoting conflict resolution through facilitation of dialogue,
enabling healthy debate and promoting the Women, Peace and
Security Agenda.