UK Lifts Arms Embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan

The UK government has made a historic decision to lift the arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan, which was imposed by the OSCE back in 1992. This move follows the "significant progress" made in the peace process between the two countries. This is stated in a written statement published on the official website of the UK Parliament, presented by Stephen Doughty, the Minister of State for Europe and North America.

In the statement, Minister Doughty details the events that formed the basis for this sharp change in London's policy. The trilateral summit held in Washington on August 8, 2025, hosted by US President Donald Trump with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, is mentioned as a turning point.

"As a result of that summit, a peace agreement was initialed and a declaration was signed. The documents include a call for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and a commitment to ensure a connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, on the condition of respecting Armenia's sovereignty," the statement notes.

Official London has welcomed this progress, describing it as "an important step towards peace and stability." In light of these positive developments, the United Kingdom has decided to significantly raise the level of relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan, bringing them to a strategic partnership. This new status will include deepened cooperation in the trade, security, and defense sectors, as well as an annual ministerial meeting.

To confirm its commitment and discuss practical steps, Minister Doughty visited both countries from August 24 to 26. During the visit, the British side reaffirmed its support for the peace process and the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group.

"Given the progress achieved, we find that the OSCE's 1992 embargo has lost its relevance. The United Kingdom is completely lifting the arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan," the document emphasizes.

The British government clarifies that this decision aims to develop cooperation in the security sector and to help both countries protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, including by responding to hybrid threats. This opens new opportunities for interaction in the defense sector, which were previously limited by the existing embargo.

At the same time, the statement clearly states that the arms sales process will be strictly controlled. "Export licenses will be considered on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with strict criteria. We will closely monitor the situation in the region," assures Minister Doughty.

Concluding his statement, the British official expresses hope that these steps will pave the way for a stable peace, security, and prosperity in the South Caucasus. "The United Kingdom is ready to cooperate with both countries, the US, the EU, and other partners to support these changes and regional stability," the document says.