UK Defence Minister visits Baku to strengthen defence partnership
Lord Vernon Coaker visited Baku for defence and security discussions. Security cooperation will be key pillar of the UK–Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership
Lord Vernon Coaker meeting with President Ilham Aliyev
- UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker visited Baku for defence and security discussions
- security co-operation will be key pillar of the UK–Azerbaijan Strategic Partnership, reflecting a shared understanding of the importance of regional stability and long-term peace
- nations committed to working together on shared strategic interests as threats increase
The UK and Azerbaijan are working together on a shared vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the South Caucasus. In support of this objective, Defence Minister Lord Vernon Coaker, visited Baku on 4 December 2025 – the first UK Ministry of Defence Minister to visit since 2022.
The visit deepens defence collaboration following significant developments in the bilateral relationship, including the intention to progress the relationship to a Strategic Partnership, made in August 2025. Defence cooperation will stand as a central pillar of this partnership, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and strategic stability.
Lord Vernon Coaker meeting with President Ilham Aliyev
The UK appointed its first resident Defence Attaché to Azerbaijan in March. In October, the UK lifted its arms embargo on Azerbaijan and Armenia, in line with dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group mechanisms. The two nations signed their most ambitious bilateral defence cooperation programme to date in London in October 2025.
UK Defence Minister Lord Coaker said:
As the threats that our nations face increase, partnerships like ours are becoming more and more important – built on a foundation of trust and respect.
I am pleased to be working with Azerbaijan in support of peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus, and I look forward to strengthening our cooperation further in the coming months and years.
During his visit, Lord Coaker has attended bilateral meetings with His Excellency President Ilham Aliyev, Minister of Defence of The Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, and the Minister of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan Vugar Mustafayev on exploring further opportunities for the development of UK-Azerbaijan defence and security partnership.
Lord Coaker attended the Graduation Ceremony of the British Military Advisory and Training Team Instructor Training Course held at the Azerbaijan Army Training and Education Centre. Participants of the intensive four-week course were coached and mentored by British and Czech instructors in accordance with UK’s approach to Defence Train the Trainer Course.
British Military Advisory and Training Team Instructor Training Course Graduation Ceremony
Lord Coaker also visited the Alley of Martyrs and Commonwealth War Memorial to pay his respects.
Lord Vernon Coaker visiting Alley of Martyrs
Lord Vernon Coaker visiting Commonwealth War Memorial