Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Lord Vernon Coaker, Minister of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The meeting underscored the friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two nations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Lord Vernon Coaker expressed his satisfaction with the meeting and conveyed the greetings of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to President Aliyev. He emphasized the UK’s interest in enhancing bilateral ties at the strategic partnership level. President Aliyev reciprocated by sending his greetings to the Prime Minister and reminiscing about their meeting during COP29.

President Aliyev highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations, which initially began in the energy sector and have since expanded into various areas. He pointed out the potential for further cooperation in trade and investment, noting the opening of a new chapter in defence industry collaboration as a testament to mutual trust.

Lord Coaker congratulated President Aliyev on the outcomes achieved in Washington in August regarding the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the progress on the peace agenda. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the congratulations and acknowledged the historical importance of these developments, crediting U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in the process. He stressed Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing the peace agenda.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on issues of mutual concern, reflecting the ongoing dialogue and cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.