Azerbaijan and Britain to sign new partnership and cooperation agreement

Baku/23.06.23/Turan: The British Embassy in Azerbaijan hosted a reception on June 22 to mark the birthday of King Charles III.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Fergus Auld stressed that Azerbaijan and the UK have "strategic relationship" in the field of politics and economics.

According to him, the sides are interested in further deepening relations.

"In this regard, it is very important to sign an agreement on partnership and cooperation between the two countries in the near future," he said.

He said that last year British companies concluded deals worth 200 million pounds in the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan with the assistance of the Embassy, which included the supply of agricultural technology, de-mining measures, etc.

This year, British assistance to Azerbaijan in the field of mine clearance has already exceeded one million pounds. 22 Azerbaijani servicemen took part in mine clearing training by the British instructors, he said.

The Ambassador said that the UK looks forward to the adoption of Azerbaijan's National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Auld also highlighted the successful cooperation in the field of education between the two countries and said that more than 170 Azerbaijani students are studying at 35 British universities as part of the state programme.

In turn, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov addressed the event on behalf of the Azerbaijani government.

He said that the implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor project was a joint contribution of Azerbaijan and the UK to global energy security.

"Our energy cooperation plays an important role in ensuring global energy security. We have ensured successful implementation of our energy cooperation projects, which were launched with the signing of the Contract of the Century in 1994. Today we are expanding our cooperation with BP in the green energy and decarbonisation," the Minister said.

According to Shahbazov, the UK is the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan with $34 billion in investments.

"We are working with BP on the transition to green energy, and this cooperation is satisfying. British companies are working with us on demining and urban development on our liberated lands. It is important that we sign a partnership and cooperation agreement between our countries soon," stressed the Minister. -16D-