On October 17, Fergus Auld, the UK Ambassador to Azerbaijan, discussed the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, bilateral relations, and cooperation in education and consular services. Addressing the peace process, Ambassador Auld praised the recent progress made directly between Baku and Yerevan, describing it as "fantastic." He highlighted the significant steps taken in Abu Dhabi and Washington, particularly the initialing of the peace agreement and the connectivity accords. "We would like to see the peace agreement signed as quickly as possible – that would be a real sign to the world that peace is on a sustainable track," he emphasized, noting that the UK supports efforts to enhance regional connectivity, including potential investment in Nakhchivan’s rail infrastructure.

Commenting on the Middle Corridor, Auld reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Azerbaijan’s economic diversification agenda, emphasizing opportunities in clean energy, infrastructure, and logistics. "We see sectors where there is particular growth here and a comparative advantage for UK businesses," he said, recalling a recent aviation deal supported by UK Export Finance and pointing to future prospects in rail and renewable energy. Speaking about 2025 priorities, Auld underlined that relations between the two countries had reached a "new, strategic level" following Europe Minister Stephen Doughty’s visit in August, during which both sides agreed to elevate ties to a strategic partnership. He cited expanding cooperation in trade, investment, defense, education, and innovation, noting the recent $66 million investment by Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) in Gatwick Airport as an example of growing mutual confidence. He also mentioned the lifting of the UK’s arms embargo, which now allows for broader defense cooperation.

Regarding upcoming bilateral meetings, Auld noted that the next session of the Azerbaijan–UK Joint Intergovernmental Commission would be held in Azerbaijan in 2026, while both the Commission and the Strategic Dialogue between foreign ministries took place earlier this year. On education, Auld emphasized the British Council’s 32-year partnership with Azerbaijan, highlighting its focus on English-language teacher training, research capacity building, and professional exams in accounting and law. He noted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Education on implementing an English Language Strategy and praised partnerships such as the dual-degree program between the University of Warwick and the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. In discussing visa matters, Auld said consular consultations would take place in London at the end of October with Azerbaijani representatives. While he announced no new visa facilitation measures, he noted a steady rise in Azerbaijani applications and expressed satisfaction with the growing number of visitors, students, and businesspeople traveling to the UK.