Dublin, The Gulf Observer: On November 12, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Andy Burnham in Dublin, where the two leaders exchanged the “Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” formally establishing the Azerbaijan UK strategic partnership.
Azerbaijan UK Strategic Partnership Elevated to New Level
During the conversation, it was emphasized that the adoption of the Declaration would formally elevate relations between the two countries to a qualitatively new level. The leaders noted that even before the adoption of the document, relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom had already been characterized by a strategic partnership.
Over 30 Years of Energy Cooperation
Touching upon more than 30 years of successful energy cooperation between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev said that the United Kingdom is the largest European investor in Azerbaijan.
British companies have played a leading role in the development of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector since the signing of the “Contract of the Century” in 1994, including major projects such as the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil fields and the Shah Deniz gas field, which have contributed significantly to regional and European energy supplies.
Renewable Energy, High Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
The sides noted that broad opportunities also exist for cooperation in renewable energy, high technologies and artificial intelligence, signaling a diversification of the bilateral agenda beyond traditional hydrocarbons.
In this regard, the two leaders highlighted the importance of high-level official visits from the United Kingdom to Azerbaijan and the discussions held in recent months, which have contributed to the momentum in bilateral relations.
International Agenda
The meeting also included an exchange of views on issues on the international agenda.
