UK and Azerbaijan Establish New Strategic Partnership

The Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Azerbaijan agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership during a press conference in Baku on August 21, 2026.

British Ambassador Duncan Norman stated that the UK values Azerbaijan as an important regional partner and expressed determination to see that partnership grow. He noted that the relationship began more than 30 years ago with energy investments from BP, but has since expanded into defense, security, trade, education, and innovation.

The new Strategic Partnership is designed to drive deeper cooperation in strengthening security, fostering innovation, and unlocking new economic growth for both nations. Norman described the current state of Azerbaijan as dynamic, modern, and connected to the world in a way that would have been difficult to imagine during his first visit.