Meeting with Mirzoyan

On May 22, a meeting between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Leo Docherty, the Minister of European Affairs of the United Kingdom, was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, the Press Office of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported.

It started with a private conversation and then continued in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from both countries. 

A joint press conference of Ararat Mirzoyan and Leo Docherty followed the meeting.

Mirzoyan stated, "Together with Minister Docherty, we have expressed our readiness to take practical steps towards fully realizing the existing potential in economic, scientific, and cultural spheres. We see a certain increase in the volume of trade turnover, and we hope to record greater positive dynamics during the next meetings. We also emphasized the importance of widening the legal basis between Armenia and the United Kingdom, especially by signing the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. We believe that mutual high-level visits will also be an impetus in this direction. Today we also discussed the ambitious reform agenda of Armenia aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and the rule of law, protecting human rights, fighting corruption, and ensuring effective governance. In this context, we value the continued support of the United Kingdom to the democratic reforms of Armenia."

He added: "I mentioned that in parallel with this process, Azerbaijan continues the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. During today's discussions, I stressed that the blockade of the corridor had caused serious humanitarian problems in Nagorno-Karabakh, including obstacles to the normal functioning of the Red Cross, the only international organization with access to Nagorno-Karabakh. It is obvious that the blockade is part of Azerbaijan's policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Once again, I emphasized the importance of constructive involvement and active steps of the UN member states having a mandate for preserving international security, including the United Kingdom, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council. In this context, I emphasized the imperative of sending an international mission to the Nagorno-Karabakh and Lachin corridor, ensuring the unimpeded access of international humanitarian organizations."

Meeting with Pashinyan

On May 23, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Leo Docherty.

The Prime Minister welcomed Docherty's visit to Armenia and emphasized close cooperation and development with the United Kingdom in various fields. Nikol Pashinyan expressed his belief that bilateral relations have great potential for progress.

Leo Docherty noted that it has already been announced to start a strategic dialogue with Armenia. He added that they are interested in expanding ties in different directions.

In particular, issues related to trade and economic interaction, possibilities of implementation of programs in solar energy, and other fields were discussed. Prime Minister Pashinyan added that the Armenian government is interested in attracting British investors to the Armenian market.

Response from Azerbaijan

On May 22, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that we strongly condemn the biased opinions once again voiced by Ararat Mirzoyan during a press conference with Leo Docherty, Europe Minister of the United Kingdom, dated May 22, 2023.

"Repeated unfounded allegations by Armenia that establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint by Azerbaijan allegedly blocked the road, caused humanitarian problems in the region, created obstacles for the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), as well as the allegations that this is an integral part of the alleged 'policy of ethnic cleansing' are attempts to falsify the reality. It is well-known that Armenian residents, the ICRC, and the Russian peacekeeping contingent pass through the checkpoint in a transparent and regulated manner in both directions," it said.

"The United Kingdom, a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, is well aware of the almost 30-year-long occupation of the territories of Azerbaijan, the massacres and ethnic cleansing policy pursued by Armenia, as well as the fact that, contrary to the 4 UN Security Council resolutions, Armenia did not end the occupation and refused to withdraw its armed forces from the territory of Azerbaijan. Thus, Armenia must abandon its efforts to mislead the international community with its narratives," the report added.

The information concluded, "We call on Armenia to refrain from dangerous rhetoric that undermines the establishment of peace and security in the region and to fulfill its obligations instead of continuing to accuse Azerbaijan and try to mislead the international community unreasonably."