UK, Armenia upgrade relationship to 'strategic partnership'

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK and Armenia on Thursday upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, strengthening ties on defense, trade, and diplomatic engagement.

According to a statement by the government, UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty visited the Armenian capital Yerevan as part of his South Caucasus trip, meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reaffirm the "UK’s support for Armenia’s sovereignty, democratic reforms, and regional peace efforts."

Discussions also covered the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

During the 2nd UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue, co-chaired by Doughty and Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, both sides agreed to post resident defense attaches in each other’s capitals and work more closely on key strategic priorities.

Doughty said: “The UK stands ready to support you on [the path to peace and stability]. We are ready and eager to work with you to strengthen collaboration between our countries on all fronts, to grow our economies and build opportunities for our people.”

He also highlighted Armenia’s upcoming role as host of the European Political Community Summit and COP17, calling them “hugely significant moments for the region and the world.”

In separate talks with Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan, the UK reaffirmed its support for regional peace-building initiatives.

The upgraded strategic partnership marks a step-change in UK-Armenia relations, reflecting a shared interest in stability, cooperation, and democratic development in the South Caucasus.