On August 25, 2025, UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty paid an official visit to Baku, marking the first such engagement by a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for Europe since 2023. The visit underscored the United Kingdom’s renewed commitment to strengthening relations with Azerbaijan, one of its most strategically important partners in the South Caucasus.
During his programme, Minister Doughty visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Commonwealth War Memorial, and held high-level talks with President Ilham Aliyev. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in economic development and security, with recognition of Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in ensuring regional stability and prosperity.
In his meeting with Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Doughty reaffirmed the UK’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s constructive leadership in the regional peace process, stressing London’s readiness to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives that promote stability and cooperation across the South Caucasus.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Doughty co-chaired the sixth UK-Azerbaijan Strategic Dialogue alongside Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov. The talks focused on the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and broader regional security challenges. Both sides agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership, enabling closer cooperation on shared priorities in energy, trade, education, climate action, and security.
The Minister also joined a working lunch with British businesses operating in Azerbaijan, exploring opportunities for investment and partnership, particularly in the fields of clean energy and infrastructure. Discussions highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a regional energy leader and its potential to shape the Middle Corridor trade route—both vital for advancing economic diversification and Britain’s clean energy ambitions.
Doughty further engaged with members of the UK-Azerbaijan Alumni Association, underlining the strength of educational and cultural ties that reinforce bilateral relations and foster long-term understanding between the two nations.
This visit, part of Minister Doughty’s broader South Caucasus tour, demonstrated Britain’s sustained commitment to supporting peace, prosperity, and security in the region. The successful conclusion of the visit marked the beginning of a renewed chapter in UK-Azerbaijan relations, based on mutual respect, shared interests, and joint efforts to address global and regional challenges.
