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Upgrading of UK Bilateral Relationships with Armenia and Azerbaijan and Lifting the UK Arms Embargo

13 October 2025

Proposing MP
Cardiff South and Penarth
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

At a Glance

Issue Summary

This statement addresses the upgrading of bilateral relationships between the UK and Armenia/Azerbaijan and the lifting of the UK's arms embargo on both countries.

Action Requested

The UK Government has decided to upgrade its bilateral relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan to Strategic Partnerships, which will include annual ministerial-level meetings. The government is also fully lifting its arms embargo on these nations effective immediately, but will continue to assess export licence applications on a case-by-case basis against strategic criteria.

Key Facts

  • Trilateral peace summit between Armenia and Azerbaijan hosted by President Trump in Washington D.C. on August 8, 2025.
  • The UK has upgraded its bilateral relationships with both countries to Strategic Partnerships.
  • The OSCE Minsk Group will be formally dissolved.
  • The UK is lifting its arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan.
  • Annual ministerial-level meetings will review progress in the partnerships.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy