- UK Minister for Europe will underline the UK’s unwavering
support for sovereignty and security during a visit Armenia,
Georgia and Azerbaijan.
- Minister Docherty will emphasise the urgent need for direct
peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a long-term
settlement for peace and stability.
- His third visit to the region this year, he will discuss
Armenia and Georgia’s democratic reform agendas, and promote UK
expertise in aiding Azerbaijan’s transition to renewables.
The UK is stepping up its cooperation and support for peace and
stability in the South Caucasus as UK Minister for Europe, , will underline on his tour
of Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan which commences today (Monday
20 November).
The region, located on Russia’s southern border, remains
vulnerable to external interference as it recovers from the
impacts of conflict and attempts to press ahead with reform
agendas in support of democratic choice for freedom and
independence.
Building on the formal Strategic Dialogues with all three
countries earlier this year, Minister Docherty will extend the
UK’s offer of increased trade and security cooperation to help
the countries to diversify their and reduce European reliance on
Russia.
Ahead of arriving in Yerevan, Minister for Europe said:
The South Caucasus faces significant security challenges, both
internally and from its neighbours which threaten to destabilise
the region.
In a volatile region, the UK is a reliable partner for reform,
peace and stability.
The Minister for Europe arrives in Yerevan ready to build on the
momentum of last week’s UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue in London,
during which both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in trade,
security and on the rule of law.
In Tbilisi, he will reaffirm the UK’s unequivocal support for
Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and back its
Euro-Atlantic aspirations, in line with the will of the Georgian
government and people.
The UK is working with the Georgian government to build its
resilience against Russian aggression, including through the
Tailored Support Package agreed at the 2022 NATO Summit in
Madrid.
Following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh, Minister Docherty
will urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage
meaningfully in internationally-mediated negotiations to reach an
historic agreement and secure lasting peace for the region.
In September, the UK contributed
£1million to the International Committee of the Red Cross
(ICRC) to support the humanitarian response to the situation in
Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region.
The UK became one of the first countries to provide demining
support to Azerbaijan, providing world-leading equipment and
delivering mine clearance training to local authorities.
Minister Docherty visits Baku just as the UK is building on that
partnership - extending its offer for specialised courses in
explosive ordnance disposal which will provide the skills needed
to operate in a high threat environment.
