Britain and Azerbaijan signed a Joint Declaration on a Strategic Partnership on Thursday, reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation in defense and security.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed the agreement in Ireland, where they attended the European Political Community Summit.
According to the declaration, the two countries expressed a long‑term commitment to strengthening cooperation in defense and security in support of regional peace and stability and to enhancing their ability to deter, prevent and respond to common threats.
“They will commit to the sustained momentum of high‑level engagement and deepen coordination on bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest,” said the document.
The declaration noted that the parties will advance defense cooperation focused on training, capacity building and interoperability and will explore opportunities to enhance defense industry cooperation, including joint initiatives in areas of mutual interests.
“They will strengthen cooperation across a broad spectrum of security priorities in response to evolving security challenges and threats,” it added.
The two leaders also expressed an ambition to broaden and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties and to promote sustainable, inclusive and diversified economic growth.
They will strengthen cooperation in economy, trade and investment by facilitating long‑term commercial partnerships, knowledge sharing and engagement across priority sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure and services.
“The participants underline 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,” it said.
According to the declaration, the participants attached particular importance to the role of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation as a mechanism for driving economic, trade and investment cooperation and technical dialogue.
“They will use this as the principal platform to advance joint initiatives on investment, economic diversification, Middle Corridor development and energy cooperation,” it added.
The two nations will also deepen cooperation in education and skills development, including higher education, vocational education and training, digital and technical skills and executive and public‑sector training in response to evolving labor market and governance needs.
“The participants have reached an understanding to hold an annual Strategic Partnership meeting to review progress across the three pillars of this declaration, set priorities for future cooperation and agree on practical follow-up,” it added.