British envoy calls on talented Azerbaijanis to apply for Chevening scholarships

Britain remained the leading destination for Azerbaijan’s state scholarship students this year, with 61% choosing to study at British universities, newly appointed British Ambassador to Azerbaijan Duncan Norman said on August 21.

“Education is one of the strongest pillars of our relationship,” Norman said at a news conference in Baku, Caliber.Az reports.

According to the ambassador, the UK-funded Chevening Scholarship programme further strengthened educational ties between the two countries, with applications now open.

Britain also wants to expand education and science partnerships with Azerbaijan, including cooperation in artificial intelligence and digital transformation, while creating skills and jobs for the future in both economies, Norman said.

He added that Britain would "continue to support women's economic empowerment alongside government and local partners."

On defence and security, Norman said Azerbaijan was a “valued defence and security partner” and that cooperation between the two countries had never been stronger.

Britain was seeking to deepen defence cooperation through training and closer ties, drawing on British expertise while supporting Azerbaijan’s own capabilities, he said.

"UK is proud to be one of the first international partners to support mine action in Azerbaijan and we look forward to continuing this support to enable safe return of former IDPs," the envoy stated.

He also highlighted broader cooperation on law enforcement and the fight against organised crime.

"We are working together with Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies to jointly tackle serious organised crimes, including drug trafficking, illegal migration and cybercrimes," he added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev