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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 2 July 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 4 July 2025. It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 July 2025 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Armenia: Azerbaijan

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help reduce tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and what steps he is taking to promote respect for freedom of religion or belief in efforts to secure a peaceful resolution.

Answer

The UK welcomes the conclusion of negotiations on a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and urges both sides to sign the agreement as soon as possible in the interest of lasting peace and stability in the region. We remain ready to support further progress wherever it may be helpful. The recent meeting between the leaders in Tirana marked a positive step forward, and we continue to encourage peaceful dialogue to address the remaining challenges. I reiterated this message during my engagements with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in April, as well as with Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister, Yalchin Rafiyev, on 30 April. The Foreign Secretary also conveyed this message during his phone call with the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister on 17 June.

The UK Government remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion or belief globally.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
64442
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Armed conflict Armenia Peace negotiations Religious freedom Azerbaijan
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk