On 25 August 2025, Minister Stephen Doughty completed his significant official visit to Baku, marking the first engagement by a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Minister for Europe since 2023. The visit underscores the United Kingdom's renewed commitment to strengthening ties with Azerbaijan, recognised as one of the UK's most strategically important partners in the South Caucasus region.

During his comprehensive one-day programme, Minister Doughty paid his respects at the Alley of Martyrs and Commonwealth War Memorial; engaged in high-level bilateral discussions that reflect the depth and breadth of UK-Azerbaijan cooperation. In his meeting with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, the Minister explored opportunities for expanded collaboration across economic development and security cooperation, acknowledging Azerbaijan's pivotal role in regional stability and prosperity.

The Minister's separate discussion with Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, reinforced the United Kingdom's appreciation for Azerbaijan's constructive leadership in regional peace-building processes. These exchanges highlighted the UK's readiness to support ongoing diplomatic initiatives that advance stability and cooperation throughout the South Caucasus.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Doughty participated in substantive bilateral talks with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and co-chaired the sixth UK-Azerbaijan Strategic Dialogue. These discussions emphasised both nations' commitment to addressing contemporary challenges, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and broader regional security concerns. The meetings demonstrated the United Kingdom's recognition of Azerbaijan as an indispensable partner in navigating complex geopolitical dynamics whilst maintaining regional stability. The UK and Azerbaijan have agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic Partnership which will allow both countries to work even closer together on key strategic priorities.

The visit featured a working lunch with British businesses operating in Azerbaijan, where participants explored enhanced opportunities for investment and strategic partnerships. Azerbaijan's position as a regional energy leader and its exceptional potential to shape the development of the Middle Corridor trade route were central to these discussions. This collaboration directly supports Britain's mission to become a clean energy superpower whilst simultaneously advancing Azerbaijan's continued economic diversification and development objectives.

Minister Doughty's engagement with the UK-Azerbaijan Alumni Association celebrated the robust and enduring educational connections between both nations. These discussions emphasised how people-to-people relationships serve as fundamental pillars in building stronger bilateral relations and fostering mutual understanding across diverse sectors.

This diplomatic engagement reinforced the United Kingdom's position as a dependable partner committed to supporting economic development and regional security cooperation. The visit formed part of Minister Doughty's broader South Caucasus tour, demonstrating Britain's sustained commitment to supporting regional stability following the recent breakthrough in Azerbaijan-Armenia peace negotiations.

The successful conclusion of this visit marks a renewed chapter in UK-Azerbaijan relations, built upon mutual respect, shared interests, and recognition of both nations' contributions to regional prosperity and security.