BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 26. On September 26, ADA University is hosting the second day of the inaugural Azerbaijan-UK Political Dialogue, organized by the Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD), Trend reports.
The event, held in partnership with the British-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce and bp, focuses on bilateral relations and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the UK in a changing global order, regional security in the South Caucasus, cooperation, foreign policy priorities, energy cooperation, and public diplomacy through education, science, and innovation. The dialogue will promote mutual understanding and practical cooperation on regional and global challenges.
Addressing the participants of the event, Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Energy, Orkhan Zeynalov spoke about the development of the country's energy potential. He stressed that Azerbaijan continues to reliably supply natural gas to 14 countries in Europe and beyond. According to him, the current dynamics demonstrate Azerbaijan's high export potential not only in Europe but also beyond.
''The Middle East and Türkiye, which could serve as a strategic energy hub, are of particular importance. This concerns not only natural gas supplies, but also the development of clean energy delivery routes to Europe and the Middle East. At the same time, it is important to consider the possibilities for introducing advanced technologies, including vacuum energy solutions, for example, in Saudi Arabia, which could drive green energy projects," the deputy minister noted.
Andrew Mennear, Senior Director of Government Relations at bp, noted that over the past 15 years, more than 250 British companies have signed contracts with bp in Azerbaijan, generating over £8.5 billion.
According to him, the potential for partnership between Azerbaijan and the UK goes far beyond energy. “The British government's approach has traditionally emphasized the country's role as a magnet for energy companies. However, cooperation can extend to other sectors. The very fact that this dialogue is taking place is a significant step forward.”
In turn, Malini Mehra, CEO of Globe Legistarors and curator of Baku Climate Action Week, noted that it would be advisable to launch a program to support small and medium-sized enterprises through digital channels, creating a bilateral corridor that would connect Baku's free economic zones with London accelerators such as White City Campus.
"These accelerators are an effective tool for supporting companies on both sides in establishing and developing bilateral business. For example, it is possible to initially support the entry of 25 British companies into the Eurasian market in Azerbaijan and, similarly, 25 Azerbaijani companies into the UK by 2027," she noted.
Nigel Adams, CEO of Better Earth Limited and a former member of the UK Parliament, noted the successful strategic partnership between the two countries. "Our cooperation began in the oil and gas sector. This industry has created jobs and brought prosperity. You only have to look around to see how much Baku has achieved in recent decades."
Furthermore, Zibar Huseynova, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, emphasized that the UK is already actively involved in the development of construction, services, finance, and education in Azerbaijan.
“Compared to other chambers and organizations, we represent the largest community of foreign investors in Azerbaijan. We can share the valuable experience and lessons that our investors have gained here, and they can serve as an example for future development,” she said.
