Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Minister of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Lord Vernon Coaker. Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting, Lord Coaker conveyed the greetings of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the Azerbaijani head of state.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Lord Vernon Coaker noted the friendly and trust-based relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, emphasizing the UK’s interest in developing relations at the strategic partnership level. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and requested that his own greetings be conveyed to Prime Minister Starmer, recalling their previous meeting during COP29.

The President highlighted the rich history of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the UK, initially rooted in the energy sector and later expanding into other areas. President Aliyev pointed out the ample opportunities for further cooperation in trade, investment, and other sectors. He mentioned the opening of a new chapter in defense industry cooperation, viewing it as a sign of mutual trust.

Lord Coaker congratulated President Aliyev on the achievements made in Washington in August regarding the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the advancement of the peace agenda. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the congratulations and underscored the historical significance of these developments, acknowledging the special role of U.S. President Donald Trump in the process. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s initiative in advancing the peace agenda and its commitment to continuing these efforts.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on issues of mutual concern.