Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories. The meeting, reported by APA, focused on the ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as enhancing regional connectivity.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Stephen Doughty congratulated President Aliyev on the progress made in Washington regarding the peace process with Armenia and expressed the UK’s willingness to support these efforts. He also emphasized the importance of the outcomes related to regional transport connectivity achieved in Washington.

Doughty praised Azerbaijan for successfully hosting the COP29 conference last year and acknowledged the achievements made during the event. He presented a keepsake to President Aliyev as a token of appreciation.

President Aliyev thanked Doughty for his congratulations and affirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing the peace agenda and normalization process with Armenia. He also recalled UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Azerbaijan during COP29 and their meeting.

The discussions included prospects for enhancing bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the UK, with both parties expressing satisfaction with the current political ties. They identified potential areas for cooperation in economic development, trade, information and communication technologies, and education. Energy collaboration was highlighted, particularly the longstanding partnership between Azerbaijan and bp in both conventional and renewable energy sectors, with optimism expressed for continued cooperation in the future.