London: Britain has officially lifted its arms embargo on Azerbaijan and Armenia following significant advances in peace efforts between the two nations. This decision was detailed in a statement by the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty, which was published on the UK Parliament’s website, as reported by APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the lifting of the embargo comes in the wake of a trilateral peace summit hosted by President Trump in Washington D.C. on August 8. The summit, attended by President Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Pashinyan of Armenia, resulted in the initialling of a peace agreement and a joint declaration aimed at dissolving the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group. The declaration also included commitments to ensure unimpeded connectivity between Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan exclave while respecting Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UK has decided to upgrade its bilateral relationships with Armenia and Azerbaijan to strategic partnerships in recognition of their progress towards peace. These partnerships will formalize cooperation in various areas, including trade, security, and defence, and will be supported by annual ministerial-level meetings. Minister Stephen Doughty visited both countries from August 24 to 26 to reaffirm the UK’s support and discuss measures to reinforce long-term peace prospects in the South Caucasus.
The decision to lift the arms embargo reflects the UK’s support for the historic outcomes of the Washington summit and the consensus to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group structures. The UK believes that the rationale for the 1992 OSCE-recommended arms embargo on forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh area no longer applies. Consequently, lifting the embargo will allow the UK to enhance its security and defence partnerships with both nations and support their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The UK government will continue to assess export and trade licence applications for Armenia and Azerbaijan on a case-by-case basis, ensuring compliance with the UK Strategic Export Licensing Criteria. The regional and internal security situations of both countries will remain under close review.
This development is seen as a significant opportunity for peace, security, and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The UK is prepared to collaborate with Armenia, Azerbaijan, the United States, the European Union, and other partners to support this transformation and contribute to the region’s security and stability.