New chapter in Azerbaijan-UK relations: Strategic partnership declaration signed

A Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership has been signed between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

TodayPress TV reports that the document was signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The full text of the declaration is presented below:

“The Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereinafter referred to as the  Participants)”

Building on the longstanding relations between the two countries and recalling the Joint Declaration on Friendship and Cooperation of february 23, 1994, and the Joint Declaration on Friendly Relations and Partnership of july 21, 1998, recognising the strength, depth and dynamism of their bilateral ties, express their shared determination to elevate relations based on mutual respect, common interests and practical cooperation to the level of a Strategic Partnership.

Reaffirming their commitment to the Charter of the United Nations and the principles and norms of international law, particularly those relating to the inviolability of internationally recognised borders and respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

Emphasising the importance of the Washington Peace Summit Declaration of august 8, 2025, and welcoming subsequent steps towards the normalisation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reaffirms its continued support for the efforts of the two countries to achieve lasting peace in the region through bilateral dialogue.

Recognising that strong, resilient and diversified economic growth, open trade, investment and innovation are essential foundations for long-term stability and prosperity for both Participants.

Recognising that sustainable partnerships are built on trust, openness and strong people-to-people ties, both sides affirm the importance of practical cooperation in education, science, innovation and skills development as a foundation for long-term growth and digital transformation. The Participants also recognise the mutual benefits of direct engagement with communities and undertake to support projects and programmes that advance the objectives of this Partnership.

The Participants have reached the following understanding:

I. Defence and Security

The Participants share a long-term commitment to strengthening cooperation in defence and security to support regional peace and stability and enhance their ability to deter, prevent and respond to common threats.

They will remain committed to maintaining sustained momentum in high-level engagement and deepening coordination on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The Participants will develop defence cooperation focused on training, capacity-building and interoperability, and explore opportunities to strengthen defence industry cooperation, including through joint initiatives in areas of mutual interest.

They will enhance cooperation across a broad range of security priorities in response to growing security challenges and threats.

In addition, the Participants will establish enhanced partnerships between law enforcement agencies, as well as cooperation in border management, judicial and legal affairs, to strengthen the rule of law and institutional resilience.

They also reaffirm their intention to cooperate and make joint contributions to international peace and security through multilateral platforms where their interests align.

II. Trade, Investment and Growth

The Participants share the ambition to expand and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties, as well as promote sustainable, inclusive and diversified economic growth.

They will strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade and investment by facilitating long-term commercial partnerships, knowledge exchange and engagement across priority sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure and services, and by promoting business-to-business links that create jobs, develop skills and generate value in both economies.

The Participants emphasise the importance of regional and international connectivity and will support the development of the Middle Corridor, alongside transport, logistics and infrastructure projects that facilitate cross-border trade and investment.

They will cooperate on the clean energy transition, including the development of renewable energy, green financing and low-carbon technologies, with a view to supporting climate resilience, sustainability, progress towards net-zero targets and energy security.

The Participants will explore opportunities to deepen cooperation in financial and capital markets through dialogue between relevant authorities and financial institutions, with a view to supporting sustainable investment, trade finance, the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and green financing. In accordance with their respective laws and regulations, they will facilitate knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation to strengthen the resilience and transparency of the financial sector and its access to international markets.

The Participants attach particular importance to the role of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation as a mechanism for stimulating economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as technical dialogue. They will use it as a key platform for advancing joint initiatives on investment, economic diversification, the development of the Middle Corridor and energy cooperation.

III. Education and Innovation

The Participants recognise that education, science, research and innovation are essential drivers of long-term prosperity, productivity and social resilience, as well as the foundations of modern, competitive and inclusive economies.

They will deepen cooperation in education and skills development, including higher education, vocational education and training, digital and technical skills, as well as executive and public sector training, in response to evolving labour market and governance needs.

The Participants will promote cooperation in research, innovation and technology, including partnerships between universities, research institutes and industries working in digitalisation, emerging technologies and life sciences. They will also facilitate the exchange of experience in artificial intelligence, digital governance and innovation ecosystems, with a focus on skills development, transparency and inclusive growth.

The Participants will encourage people-to-people exchanges and professional networks that promote mutual understanding, cultural ties and long-term cooperation between the civil societies of the two countries.

Final Provisions

The Participants have agreed to hold annual Strategic Partnership meetings to review progress across the three areas of this Declaration, identify priorities for future cooperation and agree on practical arrangements for monitoring implementation.

Cooperation under this Declaration will be subject to the availability of resources and in accordance with the respective laws and regulations of the Participants.

Done in Dublin on november 12, 2026, in two original copies in the Azerbaijani and English languages, both texts being equally authentic”.