On August 26, Armenia and the UK held the second round of their Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan, reaffirming shared democratic values, advancing security, economic, and regional cooperation, and agreeing to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership following the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization agreements.

Meeting with Kostanyan

Vahan Kostanyan, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, and Stephen Doughty, the UK Minister of State for Europe, North America and the Overseas Territories, held the second round of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue in Yerevan. Building on the inaugural session held in London in 2023, the parties reviewed the progress achieved and reaffirmed the importance of regular high-level exchanges to strengthen and expand the bilateral partnership. Both sides reiterated their commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, grounded in shared values, international law, democratic principles, and a rules-based international order.

The Armenian side briefed on the country’s ongoing democratic transformation, including efforts to strengthen institutions, advance the rule of law, improve human rights protection, and enhance anti-corruption measures. The UK commended these reforms and expressed support for their continuation. The parties agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to the level of a Strategic Partnership. Discussions also covered enhanced cooperation in security and defence, including high-level engagements, the exchange of defence attachés, and closer work in cybersecurity and countering hybrid threats.

Both sides underscored the importance of deepening economic ties, fostering inclusive economic development, and diversifying Armenia’s economy in cooperation with International Financial Institutions. They also discussed the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and highlighted the potential of United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF) to boost trade and investment. The parties welcomed the growth of people-to-people contacts and stressed the importance of cooperation in education, culture, and professional exchange.

Turning to regional and international issues, they discussed developments in the Middle East and gave particular attention to the South Caucasus. The UK welcomed the agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington, describing them as a decisive step toward the full normalization of relations, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of internationally recognized borders under the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of opening communications between Armenia and Azerbaijan to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region on the basis of reciprocity and respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and jurisdiction. They also discussed Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace" initiative as a platform for enhanced regional connectivity and economic cooperation.

Looking ahead, the parties noted Armenia’s upcoming hosting of two major international events in 2026: the European Political Community Summit and the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17). The UK expressed its readiness to support Armenia in ensuring COP17 delivers meaningful outcomes. The Dialogue concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the commitment to deepen bilateral relations and expand collaboration by establishing a Strategic Partnership between Armenia and the United Kingdom.

Meeting with Pashinyan

Nikol Pashinyan, the Prime Minister of Armenia, received Stephen Doughty in Yerevan. Pashinyan welcomed Doughty’s visit and expressed satisfaction with the successful round of the Armenia-UK Strategic Dialogue. He noted that the minister's regional visit came at a very important and historic time, following the agreements reached in Washington, which he said laid the foundation for stability, predictability, and broader regional cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Doughty congratulated Pashinyan on the historic results achieved in Washington regarding the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and emphasized the UK’s support for advancing the peace agenda. The two sides reaffirmed their readiness to elevate Armenia-UK relations to the level of a strategic partnership and to work jointly toward this goal. Both interlocutors highlighted that cooperation between Armenia and the UK was based on the shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.

They also discussed the further development of bilateral ties, stressing the importance of economic studies on projects of mutual interest, joint investment initiatives, and greater involvement of British companies in Armenia's infrastructure and other sectors. Pashinyan emphasized the significance of the UK's active participation in the European Political Community Summit and the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), both scheduled to take place in Armenia in 2026. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on additional issues of mutual interest.