UK envoy hails Azerbaijan’s role in regional peace, energy security

UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan Duncan Norman has praised Azerbaijan’s constructive engagement in efforts to promote regional peace and stability, while highlighting Baku’s role in strengthening energy security amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

“I would like thank Azerbaijan for its constructive engagement and its support for efforts to build a more peaceful and stable future for the region, from Gaza to Iran, including its role as a reliable partner in strengthening energy security amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis,” Norman said at a press conference, Caliber.Az reports.

The ambassador said the UK continues to work with its partners toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, adding that London wants to see the ceasefire maintained and peace talks succeed.

“The UK continues to work with partners towards its reopening and wants to see the ceasefire hold and peace talks succeed, and welcome reports that negotiations are progressing,” he said.

Turning to Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, Norman described the current period as a “moment of real opportunity” and said the two countries are moving toward lasting peace through dialogue and sustained engagement.

“Azerbaijan itself stands at a moment of real opportunity. Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the road to lasting peace, a peace built on dialogue and sustained engagement between both sides. It has the potential to unlock new trade, investment and connectivity across the wider region,” he said.

Norman also highlighted the first anniversary of the Washington Summit, saying the UK recognizes the political leadership demonstrated in taking what he called a historic step toward peace.

“Just two weeks ago, we marked the first anniversary of the Washington Summit. We recognise the political leadership shown in taking this historic step towards peace. The past year has seen extraordinary, tangible progress,” the ambassador said.

He pointed to several practical developments, including progress on border delimitation, Azerbaijan’s energy supplies to Armenia and the cross-border Peace Bridge initiative.

“We welcome these practical steps, including: border delimitation work, Azerbaijan supplying energy to Armenia and the cross-border Peace Bridge initiative,” Norman said.

According to the ambassador, the restoration of transport, energy and communications links could help translate the peace process into broader economic and security benefits across the region.

“Reopening transport, energy and communications links, can help ensure that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia brings greater prosperity and security for the whole region,” he said.

Norman also reaffirmed Britain’s readiness to support the implementation of regional connectivity projects, including through expertise, investment and financing.

“The UK stands ready to support practical implementation, including through British expertise, investment and financing for sustainable infrastructure and the wider Middle Corridor,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Norman underscored the close relationship between London and Baku.

“The UK and Azerbaijan are close friends. We work together on a lot of issues, and we see many things the same way,” he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva