Leo Docherty to arrive in Yerevan today on regional visit

ArmInfo.UK Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, will underline the UK's unwavering support for sovereignty and security during a visit to Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan. This is stated in the message of the British Embassy in Armenia.  According to the source, "Minister Docherty will emphasise the urgent need for direct peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan to reach a long-term settlement for peace and stability.

On his third visit to the region this year, he will discuss Armenia  and Georgia's democratic reform agendas, and promote UK expertise in  aiding Azerbaijan's transition to renewables. 

The UK is stepping up its cooperation and support for peace and  stability in the South Caucasus as UK Minister for Europe, Leo  Docherty, will underline on his tour of Armenia, Georgia and  Azerbaijan which commences today (Monday 20 November).

The region, located on Russia's southern border, remains vulnerable  to external interference as it recovers from the impacts of conflict  and attempts to press ahead with reform agendas in support of  democratic choice for freedom and independence.

Building on the formal Strategic Dialogues with all three countries  earlier this year, Minister Docherty will extend the UK's offer of  increased trade and security cooperation to help the countries to  diversify their and reduce European reliance on Russia.

Ahead of arriving in Yerevan, Minister for Europe Leo Docherty said:   "The South Caucasus faces significant security challenges, both  internally and from its neighbours which threaten to destabilise the  region.

"In a volatile region, the UK is a reliable partner for reform, peace  and stability." The Minister for Europe arrives in Yerevan ready to  build on the momentum of last week's UK-Armenia Strategic Dialogue in  London, during which both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in  trade, security and on the rule of law.

In Tbilisi, he will reaffirm the UK's unequivocal support for  Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity and back its  Euro-Atlantic aspirations, in line with the will of the Georgian  government and people.

The UK is working with the Georgian government to build its  resilience against Russian aggression, including through the Tailored  Support Package agreed at the 2022 NATO Summit in Madrid.

Following recent events in Nagorno-Karabakh, Minister Docherty will  urge the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to engage meaningfully in  internationally-mediated negotiations to reach an historic agreement  and secure lasting peace for the region. 

In September, the UK contributed œ1million to the International  Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to support the humanitarian  response to the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the wider region.

The UK became one of the first countries to provide demining support  to Azerbaijan, providing world-leading equipment and delivering mine  clearance training to local authorities. Minister Docherty visits  Baku just as the UK is building on that partnership - extending its  offer for specialised courses in explosive ordnance disposal which  will provide the skills needed to operate in a high threat  environment."