King’s Birthday reception in Baku brings focus to UK partnership, energy ties

Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom continue to deepen a long-standing strategic partnership built on mutual trust, shared interests and extensive cooperation across energy, trade and emerging sectors, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov said.

Speaking at a reception marking the national holiday of the United Kingdom – the Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III – Zeynalov conveyed the Government of Azerbaijan’s congratulations to the British people and the UK’s diplomatic mission in Baku, according to Caliber.Az.

“On this significant day, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and to the friendly people of the United Kingdom,” he said, addressing the British Ambassador.

He also welcomed the appointment of newly arrived UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Duncan Norman, wishing him success in his diplomatic mission.

Zeynalov underlined that bilateral relations, rooted in decades of cooperation, have been shaped by strong political support at the highest levels, noting the particular importance attached by National Leader Heydar Aliyev to ties with the United Kingdom and the continued commitment of President Ilham Aliyev to expanding cooperation with one of Azerbaijan’s key trade partners.

He said the partnership has evolved well beyond the energy sector to include trade, investment, education, healthcare and other areas, with the Joint Intergovernmental Commission serving as an important platform for advancing joint initiatives.

“The United Kingdom has been our strategic partner from the very beginning and has played a significant role in Azerbaijan’s development through its investments and support for the energy sector,” Zeynalov said, noting that British investment in Azerbaijan exceeds $39.9 billion, the majority of which is directed to energy.

Highlighting the historic foundation of cooperation, he referred to the 1994 “Contract of the Century” and the long-term collaboration with BP, which has underpinned major projects such as Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) and Shah Deniz, contributing to global energy security.

Zeynalov also pointed to recent developments in the ACG field, including the launch of production from deep reservoirs earlier this month, describing the “ACG Deep Gas” project as a strategic step for expanding Azerbaijan’s gas production and export capacity.

The deputy minister said cooperation is now entering a new phase with growing focus on green energy and decarbonisation. “The 240 MW ‘Shafag’ solar power plant, which will be commissioned in Jabrayil in 2027, together with the project’s contribution to the decarbonisation of the Sangachal Terminal, will demonstrate the integration of hydrocarbons and green energy,” Zeynalov added.

He went on to voice confidence in the continued expansion of bilateral ties, noting that the forthcoming Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom would open a new phase in relations.

Zeynalov concluded by wishing the United Kingdom peace, stability and prosperity on its national day.

By Jeyhun Aghazada