The United Kingdom
Bilateral diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom recognized the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan on 26 December 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 11 March 1992.
The British Embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan opened in September 1993. The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the UK opened in January 1994.
In 2016, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the UK established the mechanism of strategic dialogue, led by the Foreign Ministries of both countries. The last round of the strategic dialogue was held in London in June 2023.
The Republic of Azerbaijan and the UK enjoy excellent cooperation in various fields, including regular political dialogue, diversified economic agenda and intensified cultural and educational exchanges. Bilateral relations are expanding in the spirit of strategic partnership.
Mutual visits of the Heads of the States
- In 1994 and 1998, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev paid official visits to the UK.
- In 2004, 2009 and 2012, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev visited the UK on working visits. The last presidential visit to the UK was took place on 26 April 2018.
Mutual visits of the Prime Ministers
- On 21-23 November 2019, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ali Asadov paid a working visit to the UK.
Mutual visits of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
- In January 1996, UK Foreign Secretary, Malcolm Rifkind paid a working visit to Azerbaijan.
- In December 2013, UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague paid a working visit to Azerbaijan.
- There were six (2000, 2008,2010, 2012, 2013, 2023) working visits to the UK. The last visit to the UK was undertaken by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov on 20-23 June 2023.
Inter-parliamentary relations
The Working Group for the Azerbaijani-British Inter-Parliamentary Relations was set up in Milli Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan in March 1997. The parliamentary group is headed by Soltan Mammadov MP.
All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Azerbaijan in the UK Parliament was set up in 2014 and is chaired by Bob Blackman MP.
- On 11-13 July 2022, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova paid an official visit to the UK.
- On 18-20 September 2022, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova visited the UK to attend the funeral ceremony for Her Majesty Elisabeth II, Queen of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- On 4 May 2023, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova visited the UK to participate at the ceremony of the coronation of King Charles III.
Contractual and legal framework
26 documents have been signed between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom.
Economic cooperation
Economic cooperation constitutes the backbone of bilateral relations. The UK remains the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan with total investments of 34 billion USD into Azerbaijani economy, which accounts for almost 50% of all foreign investments to Azerbaijan.
600 British companies are involved in various sectors in Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan-UK Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was set up in 2015. The last sixth session of the Joint Commission was held on 7 December 2023 in Baku.
Trade turnover, exports, and imports between the two countries (in millions of US dollars)
|
Years |
Trade turnover |
Exports |
Imports |
|
2019 |
704.6 |
472 |
232.6 |
|
2020 |
454.5 |
157.53 |
296.97 |
|
2021 |
667.9 |
396.7 |
271.2 |
|
2022 |
1 036.2 |
779.5 |
256.7 |
|
2023 |
790.8 |
447.9 |
342.9 |
Source: The State Customs Committee of the Respublic of Azerbaijan
Diplomatic Representation
Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom
Address: 4 Kensington Court, London W8 5DL, Great Britain
Official website: www.london.mfa.gov.az