UK ambassador puts South Caucasus peace at heart of Azerbaijan ties “The challenge now is to make peace irreversible”

The United Kingdom sees a genuine opportunity for lasting peace in the South Caucasus and remains committed to expanding its Strategic Partnership with Azerbaijan as bilateral cooperation continues to grow across security, trade, investment and other key areas, UK Ambassador Designate to Azerbaijan Duncan Norman stated.

Speaking at a reception marking the birthday of King Charles III, Norman said Azerbaijan stands at a moment of significant opportunity, noting that for the first time in a generation there is a real prospect of achieving lasting peace in the region, Caliber.Az reports.

“Peace would unlock new trade, investment and connectivity across the region. The challenge now is to make peace irreversible,” he emphasised.

Norman highlighted the evolution of UK-Azerbaijan relations over more than three decades, describing the partnership as one that has grown far beyond its foundations in the energy sector.

“Our relationship, of course, began in energy. BP’s pioneering investment helped shape Azerbaijan’s modern economic story,” he said, adding that cooperation now extends across a broad range of sectors, including defence, aviation, infrastructure, finance and artificial intelligence.

The ambassador-designate also pointed to growing collaboration on security issues, including efforts to combat illegal commodity smuggling across international borders, while reaffirming the UK’s support for mine-clearance activities in Karabakh aimed at helping affected communities recover and rebuild.

“We are proud of our support for mine clearance in Karabakh, helping communities rebuild and recover,” Norman noted.

Beyond economic and security cooperation, the two countries continue to deepen ties through education and people-to-people exchanges, he said, highlighting the growing number of young Azerbaijanis choosing to study in the United Kingdom.

“The number of young Azerbaijanis choosing to study in the United Kingdom reflects both the strength of those links and the outstanding work of the British Council,” the envoy added.

Addressing international issues, he noted that London and Baku share the same position on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and reiterated Britain’s long-term support for Kyiv.

“The United Kingdom will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” Norman said.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence in the future of bilateral relations and pledged to work toward further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

“I am determined to see the UK-Azerbaijan partnership grow in ambition and impact. Tonight is the next step on that journey,” the ambassador concluded.

By Jeyhun Aghazada