BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 17. Azerbaijan’s role as
a key UK energy partner and a source of stability in the South
Caucasus is becoming increasingly important, Chairman of the UK
Parliament’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Azerbaijan Bob
Blackman said during the Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment.


This is mentioned in a statement published by the UK
Parliament.


Blackman noted that his recent visit to Azerbaijan demonstrated
the country’s growing strategic importance for the United Kingdom,
particularly amid changes affecting traditional transport routes
and increasing geopolitical uncertainty.


"That reflects the importance of a country that is both a key UK
energy partner and a source of stability in the south Caucasus.
During the visit, I saw how disruptions to traditional routes
through Russia and parts of the Middle East have elevated
Azerbaijan’s role as a vital transport and aviation hub linking
Europe and Asia via the Middle Corridor," he said.


The UK lawmaker emphasized that London should continue
strengthening relations with Baku and ensure that bilateral
cooperation reflects Azerbaijan’s growing role in regional and
international affairs. "As geopolitical uncertainty grows, it is
essential that the UK continues to strengthen its relationship with
Azerbaijan and does not take it for granted. We should move quickly
to deliver the strategic partnership announced last year, deepening
cooperation in trade, investment, defence, education and
digitalisation," Blackman noted.


He also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation in
humanitarian areas, including support for mine-clearance efforts in
Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. "Having witnessed the impact of
landmine contamination in Azerbaijan at first hand, where the
liberated territories are being brought back into operation, I also
believe that the UK should continue supporting the mine-clearance
efforts," he said.


Blackman added that the existing partnership between the two
countries provides a foundation for further cooperation. "The UK
and Azerbaijan already enjoy a strong partnership. The priority now
is ensuring that our political relationship matches its growing
strategic importance and that we continue to encourage Azerbaijan
and Armenia to live peacefully alongside each other," the UK
lawmaker said.