UK Minister visits Armenia to advance strategic partnership
Source: gov.uk (2025-08-27)

Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty MP announces upgrade of the UK-Armenia relationship to a strategic partnership during visit to Yerevan.

- Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty MP announces upgrade of the UK-Armenia relationship to a Strategic Partnership during visit to Yerevan
- discussions focused on regional developments, Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, defence and economic cooperation
- visit underscores UK commitment to supporting Armenia’s sovereignty and democratic reforms
On 26 August 2025, Minister Stephen Doughty visited Armenia as part of his broader trip to the South Caucasus. The visit demonstrated the United Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening ties with Armenia as it continues to diversify its international partnerships.

During his programme, Minister Doughty met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to reaffirm commitment to developing our bilateral relationship, which we agreed to upgrade to a Strategic Partnership. They also discussed recent progress relating to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and efforts to strengthen democratic reforms.

Minister Doughty at a meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan in Armenia.

The Minister co-chaired the 2nd UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue with Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this meeting both sides agreed to upgrade their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, enabling opportunities to work more closely on key strategic priorities. This includes defence cooperation with plans for resident defence attachés to be posted in the respective capitals.

UK Minister Stephen Doughty and Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan announce upgrade of the UK-Armenia relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

Minister Doughty’s meeting with Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council, reinforced the UK’s support for regional peace-building processes.

Minister Doughty paid his respects at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

UK Minister Doughty laid a wreath at the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial.

In a productive roundtable with British and Armenian business leaders, the Minister explored how the UK can better support Armenian businesses to access the UK markets.

UK Minister Doughty met with the business community leaders in Armenia.

The Minister welcomed Armenia’s preparations to host the European Political Community Summit and Biodiversity COP17 next year and offered UK assistance to support the delivery of both. The visit expressed the UK’s support for positive momentum in the peace process and for Armenia’s policy of reform and economic diversification. Agreeing to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership demonstrates the UK’s continued commitment to support Armenia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic development.

UK Minister Doughty giving an interview for Public TV of Armenia.

Minister Doughty’s opening speech during the 2nd UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue:

Deputy Minister Kostanyan, colleagues and friends,

Thank you for the warm welcome.

It’s a real honour to be part of this, our second Strategic Dialogue — a testament to the growing partnership between our countries.

Thank you, Deputy Foreign Minister Kostanyan, for hosting us. It’s a pleasure to be in this vibrant and welcoming city.

You might be interested to know there’s a special connection between Armenia and my home country of Wales.

Across our 4 traditional regions, you’ll find 4 Armenian monuments – each a symbol of friendship and solidarity.

From a Victorian stained glass window in a medieval church to a plaque in a North Welsh village, a statue in the cloister garden of our most sacred cathedral, and a carved cross stone in a peace and reconciliation centre – each tells a story of shared values and mutual respect.

My own connection to this region goes back some years. Early in my career, I worked on parliamentary and diplomatic engagement across the Caucasus. That experience gave me deep respect for the resilience and ambition of the people here—and it’s a privilege to return now as a minister.

I’m also glad to be with you at such a pivotal time, following the courageous and vital steps taken at the peace summit in Washington towards a more stable and prosperous future.

The UK stands ready to support you on that path.

We also recognise the challenges Armenia faces and remain committed to supporting your sovereignty, democratic institutions and reforms.

I know you are keen to diversify your foreign, defence and commercial partnerships. And the UK is ready and eager to work with you to strengthen collaboration between our countries on all these fronts, to grow our economies and build opportunities for our people.

And that spirit of partnership is just as vital on the international stage.

Hosting the European Political Community Summit and COP17 next year will place Armenia at the heart of vital discussions on climate, democracy and European cooperation.

These are hugely significant moments for the region and the world, and the UK looks forward to working closely with you to make them a success.

So, we have lots to discuss today – and I am very much looking forward to listening, learning, and planning our next steps together.

Thank you.

UK Minister for Europe Stephen Doughty and Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan announce upgrade of the UK-Armenia relationship to a Strategic Partnership during the 2nd UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue.

More about Minister Doughty: Stephen Doughty MP - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/people/stephen-doughty#:~:text=Stephen%20Doughty%20was%20appointed%20Minister,and%20Penarth%20in%20November%202012)