Armenia, UK agree to expand bilateral partnership

ArmInfo.  On 26 August 2025, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr. Vahan Kostanyan, and the Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories of the United Kingdom, the Rt Hon Stephen Doughty MP, held the second round of the Armenia-UK  Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign  Affairs of Armenia. 

Building on the inaugural meeting of the Strategic Dialogue held in  London in 2023, the two parties reviewed the progress achieved and  reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges to further  strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership between Armenia and  the United Kingdom.  The parties reiterated their unwavering  commitment to democracy, rule of law, and the protection of  fundamental human rights both regionally and globally, based on  shared values, respect for international law, democratic principles,  and a rules-based international order.  The Armenian side briefed on  the country's ongoing democratic transformation, including efforts in  strengthening democracy, advancing the rule of law and protection of  human rights, enhancing anti- corruption measures. The United Kingdom  commended Armenia's progress and reiterated its support for the  continuation of these reforms.

The parties agreed to upgrade the relationship to a Strategic  Partnership. Both parties discussed expanding cooperation in the  areas of security and defence, including future high-level  engagements, the exchange of defence attaches, and closer cooperation  in the fields of cyber security and countering hybrid threats.  In  the context of upgrading the relationship, the importance of  continuing to deepen economic ties was underscored by both parties.  The parties looked forward to furthering business relations and to  drive growth through collaboration, including support for Armenia's  inclusive economic development, reform and diversification in  partnership with International Financial Institutions. The parties  discussed the Armenia/UK Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership  Agreement (CEPA). Armenia recognised the potential of United Kingdom  Export Finance (UKEF) to further boost trade and investment.  The  parties also welcomed the growth of people-to-people contacts and  emphasised the significance of further cooperation in education,  culture, and professional exchange.

Turning to regional and international issues, the parties exchanged  views on key developments, including the situation in the Middle  East. Special attention was given to the South Caucasus. The United  Kingdom welcomed the recent agreements reached between Armenia and  Azerbaijan in Washington D.C., emphasizing that these represent a  decisive step towards full normalisation of relations between Armenia  and Azerbaijan, based on mutual recognition of each other's  sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of  internationally recognised borders in line with the 1991 Alma-Ata  Declaration.  The parties reaffirmed the importance of the opening of  communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the promotion of  peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and in its  neighborhood on the basis of reciprocity and respect for the  sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction of the States.  The parties also discussed the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative as a  platform for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Looking ahead, the parties discussed Armenia's hosting of two major  international events in 2026: The European Political Community Summit  and the 17th Conference of the parties to the Convention on  Biological Diversity (COP17). The United Kingdom expressed its  readiness to support Armenia in the successful organisation of COP17,  ensuring that the conference delivers concrete and meaningful  outcomes.

The Dialogue concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the shared  commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand close  collaboration by establishing a Strategic Partnership between the  Republic of Armenia and the United Kingdom.