President accepts credentials of newly appointed UK Ambassador Duncan Norman

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received credentials from Duncan Norman, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on August 18.

During the meeting, Ambassador Norman noted ongoing work toward a comprehensive UK-Azerbaijan strategic partnership framework, underscoring London’s commitment to broadening ties across renewable energy, defense, aviation, and education. Norman reaffirmed the UK government's support for progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace normalization track and recalled that the UK was among the first international partners to assist Azerbaijan’s humanitarian demining operations.

President Ilham Aliyev recalled that bilateral energy cooperation dates back nearly 30 years and is currently expanding into renewable initiatives, citing BP's construction of Azerbaijan’s first solar power plant. Expressing gratitude for the UK’s demining assistance, the head of state emphasized that broader international cooperation remains essential in addressing unexploded ordnance. The leaders also reviewed regional security developments, with President Aliyev affirming that regional security remains at the forefront of Azerbaijan’s agenda.