Doughty: United Kingdom expresses willingness to work closely with  Armenia and Azerbaijan on peace agenda

ArmInfo.  During the second round of the strategic dialogue between Armenia and the United Kingdom, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and outlined its directions, as stated by British  Secretary of State for Europe, North America and Foreign Affairs  Stephen Doughty in an interview with Public TV of Armenia.

"We had very important discussions and I also met with the Prime  Minister and the Foreign Minister. We discussed a wide range of  topics: democracy, security, defense. We noted our commitment to  enhancing our joint cooperation and we have plans to expand our  interaction, turning it into a partnership. In general, to expand the  framework of Armenia-UK cooperation. We had very important and  constructive discussions. We also discussed recent events in  Washington and expressed our readiness to work closely with Armenia  and Azerbaijan. We welcome efforts to ensure peace and stability in  the region. This is extremely important for the people of the entire  region," the British official noted. 

When asked about the difference between strategic dialogue and  strategic partnership, Doughty noted that it lies in the intensity  and frequency of meetings and events. According to him,  Armenia-United Kingdom relations are developing along a very positive  path. He added that the discussions involve not only  business  interaction, but also extend to  education, science, and energy  sectors. 

When asked about London's practical involvement in the settlement of  the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Doughty noted that he visited Baku  and Yerevan this week and met with President Aliyev and Prime  Minister Pashinyan.

"These meetings were constructive and positive. We are committed to  developing relations with both countries. We are friends and partners  in this process. This is a historic process that can bring great  benefits to the people of the entire region: strengthening peace,  communications and more. The UK, through interaction with the Trump  administration and other international partners, can expand the scope  of cooperation and send signals about peace and cooperation to the  whole world," he noted.

When asked about how he sees cooperation in the security sphere  between London and Yerevan, Doughty stated that there is already  quite strong cooperation. "Important decisions have been made,  including the appointment of military attaches between Yerevan and  London. A wide range of issues have been discussed. In addition to  opening communications, it is important to have secure borders. And I  am confident that Great Britain will take on serious commitments in  this regard," he said.

Speaking about possible directions between Armenia and United Kingdom  in the context of the diversifying Armenia's foreign policy, Doughty  noted that there are common fundamental principles - the protection  of sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Armenia has taken the  right step in this direction by expanding partnership ties during  this challenging geopolitical period," he noted.

Doughty added that the new strategic dialogue envisages various   aspects such as meetings with businesses, the diaspora. According to  him, vast opportunities are emerging in terms of developing  communications in the region, making it more accessible for both the  West and the East, as well as for many Central Asian countries. "I  believe that there will be great opportunities in the coming years.  We are ready to stand with Armenia and develop these opportunities in  a positive way," he concluded.