UK and Azerbaijan sign strategic partnership covering trade, energy and defence industry

The UK and Azerbaijan have elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership through a joint declaration adopted in Dublin on 12 November 2026. The document builds on earlier declarations from 1994 and 1998.

The text is a statement of intent rather than a binding agreement. It says cooperation will depend on available resources and will follow each country's laws and regulations.

Both sides state an ambition to broaden bilateral trade and investment. They plan to encourage long-term commercial partnerships and business-to-business links that generate jobs, skills and value. Priority sectors named include renewable energy, infrastructure and services.

The declaration also commits the two countries to support development of the Middle Corridor, together with transport, logistics and infrastructure projects that ease cross-border trade and investment. On energy, they will cooperate on renewables, green finance and low-carbon technologies, citing climate resilience, net zero and energy security.

The Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation is named as the main platform for joint initiatives on investment, economic diversification, Middle Corridor development and energy.

The participants say they will advance defence cooperation focused on training, capacity building and interoperability. They will also explore ways to strengthen defence industry cooperation, including joint initiatives in areas of shared interest. Law enforcement, border management and judicial collaboration are also covered.

An annual Strategic Partnership meeting will review progress across the declaration's three pillars, set priorities and agree practical next steps. The declaration also reaffirms UK support for peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia.