UK Minister for Europe to visit Yerevan next week

ArmInfo.The UK welcomes renewed relationship with Armenia during Strategic Dialogue in  London. This is stated in the message of the British Embassy in Armenia.

As the diplomatic mission reports, the statement, in particular,  reads:  

" The UK will expand its trade and security ties with Armenia,  building closer cooperation and diversifying Armenia's economic  relationships, according to the UK Minister for Europe at an event in  London yesterday (13 November). 

Leo Docherty made the commitment to the Armenian Foreign Minister  Ararat Mirzoyan at the first UK-Armenian Strategic Dialogue - based  around discussions on shared interests.

He welcomed ongoing collaboration on governance and rule of law,  which is helping to strengthen the stability of Armenia and build its  political and economic resilience. 

Following the dialogue, Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said: 

"It has been a really positive discussion during this inaugural  UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue. There is a significant amount of  positive energy and opportunity to strengthen and deepen our  bilateral relationship. We recognise the responsible and positive  approach of the Armenian government - it is an attitude of peace  building and a desire to develop commercial links not just with the  UK but also across the Caucasus. As a responsible regional player, we  really value the relations we have with Armenia."

Following recent events in the region, the Minister emphasised the  urgent need for Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage meaningfully in  internationally-mediated negotiations to reach an historic peace  agreement. 

In September, the UK contributed1 million pounds sterling for the  International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the  humanitarian response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the  wider region.

UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, reinforced the UK's commitment  to supporting Armenia's democratic and governance reforms. 

This financial year, the UK is spending 1.8 million pounds sterling  in Armenia through the Good Governance Fund (GGF) on projects that  promote inclusivity, boost innovation and drive economic growth.

The dialogue coincides with the opening of new Armenian embassy on  London's Pall Mall, expanding its services amid growing UK-Armenia  diplomatic ties.

Docherty will build on the momentum of yesterday's dialogue when he  visits Yerevan next week."