United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty has given an interview to APA Agency.
Great Britain's relationship with Azerbaijan is strong
– Minister Doughty, how would you evaluate the current state of political and economic relations between Azerbaijan and the UK?
Our relationship is strong, and it has been for many years, but we're hoping it will become even stronger. I've had very productive and welcoming meetings today with the President, with the Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister, also with UK businesses here in Azerbaijan. We've discussed the areas in which we can cooperate even more strongly on everything: from defence and security to the economy to trade, in education, in energy, particularly in clean energy, and the transition. Azerbaijan has shown great leadership in the COP29 Summit. So, it's a real pleasure to be here discussing our bilateral relationship and building important contacts. We had our Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary visit Azerbaijan during COP29, and I'm very pleased to be part of a team to strengthen that relationship.
It is a very important time in the region
It's also a very important time in the region. Very positive steps taken at the White House recently with President Trump, and we warmly welcome those efforts. It provides a huge opportunity for peace and stability, but also for economic growth and connectivity in this region of the world. The UK stands ready as a friend to the region to ensure we get the most out of that relationship for the mutual benefit of the UK and Azerbaijan.
We're proposing upgrading dialogue with Azerbaijan to a partnership
– In 2016, Azerbaijan and the UK initiated a strategic dialogue, with the most recent meeting in London in June 2023. What steps do you believe are necessary to further strengthen our political, economic, cultural, and defence ties?
We have had a very productive discussion today as part of the Strategic Dialogue, and I'm pleased to say that we're also proposing upgrading that dialogue to a partnership, therefore deepening our relationship in many ways. We discussed the progress that we've already made in different areas of that relationship, but we all agreed that we can do even more together. As I said, whether that's in education, energy, infrastructure, political, diplomatic and, indeed, defence and security ties. It's very important, when we see what is happening in the wider region, the challenges to the north and to the south, and of course, the importance of Europe's security and stability that the UK and Azerbaijan work together as trusted friends and partners.
Our people are at the heart of this relationship. It's great to be able to meet with some of the people who studied at UK universities and to hear about their affection for the United Kingdom and our relationship.
There is huge optimism here about the future potential with Armenia going forward
– In your opinion, on which bilateral or global issues do both countries share the most common ground?
Certainly, when it comes to defence and security, and the peace and stability of Europe, ensuring that all our people can live in peace together. There is huge optimism here about the future potential and that stability with Armenia going forward. We want to support both countries to ensure that the progress continues.
Secondly, in relation to energy and energy security, but also energy transition. It's been very exciting to discuss the prospects for renewable energy in Azerbaijan and the work that's already going on. I’ve heard about new solar projects and investment in wind energy, so there's some real positivity on that agenda.
When it comes to our work together in international organisations, and in relation to education and people-to-people contacts are really important.
We are also hopeful to see more Azerbaijan investment in the UK in the coming years
– Azerbaijan and the UK have signed some 30 agreements to date. The UK has invested around $40 billion in Azerbaijan (50% of all foreign investment). More than 600 UK-based companies operate in the country. Which sectors of the economy offer the greatest potential for expanding bilateral cooperation?
That's a very good question. I've been lucky today to to meet with some of the companies that have been investing in Azerbaijan for a long time. Whether that's BP, or companies investing in infrastructure, whether that's new financial-technology organisations – I met a very interesting company in that regard – whether it's in relation to mining and minerals. As I said, those technologies of the future, whether that’s in renewable energy, or in infrastructure and connectivity across the region, there's a huge potential for UK and Azerbaijani companies to do together.
We've also just been able to support cargo transport capability through UK Export Finance, and we're looking forward to explore on we can do to support connectivity across the Middle Corridor, and our relationships with Türkiye and Central Asia. This is a crucially important region, and the UK has unique skills, expertise and companies and professionals who can support Azerbaijan’s economic development but also create growth benefits for the UK as well. We are also hopeful to see more Azerbaijan investment in the UK in the coming years.
This is a mutually beneficial relationship across many sectors, including life sciences and green technology. There are many exciting things we can do together.
Photo - Ilkin Nabiyev ©️ APA GROUP
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