British government on purpose of Britain’s defense minister’s visit to Armenia and Azerbaijan

British Defense Minister Lord Vernon Coaker visited Armenia and Azerbaijan this week with engagements focused around boosting regional security, the British government said in a statement.

As noted, the visit by Lord Coaker follows the UK’s commitment in the summer to strengthen relationships with Armenia and Azerbaijan to Strategic Partnerships, with defense cooperation at the forefront; the UK works with Armenia and Azerbaijan to support peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus.

“In an increasingly uncertain world, it is partnerships like these, built on mutual respect and shared values, that will endure. This year, the UK appointed its first resident Defence Attachés to Azerbaijan and Armenia and announced the full lifting of the UK arms embargo on both countries,” reads the statement.

In Armenia, Lord Coaker opened the UK’s first permanent Defence Section in Yerevan, demonstrating the UK’s long-term commitment to supporting Armenia’s security, sovereignty and defense capabilities.

Meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Defense Minister Suren Papikyan, Lord Coaker discussed deepening defense cooperation and supporting Armenia’s defense reform and modernization efforts.