Baku: The 1st Azerbaijan-UK Policy Dialogue, held on September 25-26, 2025, in Baku, brought together policymakers, parliamentarians, academics, and business leaders from both Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom. The event served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on shared challenges and opportunities, fostering new bridges in diplomacy, trade, and cultural cooperation.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Dr. Fariz Ismailzade, Vice-Rector of ADA University and Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan, opened the session by emphasizing the significance of existing political and interparliamentary ties between the two countries. Ambassador Fergus Auld highlighted the enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and the UK, stressing the importance of investing not only in political dialogue but also in human connections.
Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s Vice President for the Caspian Region, spoke about bp’s role as a business partner and bridge-builder in Azerbaijan-UK relations. With over three decades of presence in Azerbaijan, bp has consistently combined energy cooperation with investments in education, innovation, and community development. Aslanbayli emphasized that the partnership transcends oil and gas, focusing on shared values of trust, innovation, and a long-term vision.
The dialogue included a panel on bilateral relations and strategic partnership, featuring British peers such as Lord Aamer Sarfraz and Lord Ross Kempsell. Their exchange with Azerbaijani MPs underscored the ability of both nations to navigate similar challenges despite geographical distance. Samad Seyidov, Chairman of the International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations Committee of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, stressed that the cooperation is anchored not only in diplomacy at the executive level but also in the institutional strength of parliamentary dialogue.
The historical roots of the partnership were also remembered, notably the 1992 visit of Baroness Margaret Thatcher to Baku, which marked the beginning of a relationship that has matured into a robust strategic partnership. Discussions during the dialogue addressed how changes in UK government leadership might influence bilateral relations, concluding that strategic, long-term interests ensure enduring partnerships.
Energy cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, expanding beyond hydrocarbons to include investment diversification and the growing role of renewables. The dialogue emphasized strengthening energy security while supporting economic modernization and diversification.
Sessions on regional security and foreign policy in the South Caucasus offered candid assessments of challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for persistent dialogue among governments, think-tanks, academic institutions, and civil society. Another session on public diplomacy through education, science, and innovation showcased possibilities for joint research, student exchanges, and people-to-people diplomacy.
The event’s informal interactions and networking opportunities added a human dimension to the dialogue, emphasizing that trust is often built through personal interactions. The 1st Azerbaijan-UK Policy Dialogue was seen as a starting point for strengthening partnerships and identifying areas for closer cooperation, with the potential to become a tradition shaping the future of Azerbaijan-UK relations.