On October 30, Bob Blackman, the Head of the UK–Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group, discussed the growing engagement of British parliamentarians with Azerbaijan, the mutual trust shaping bilateral relations, and the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in an interview with Report.

Addressing the current state of relations, Blackman stated that the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan enjoyed "an exceptionally strong and growing relationship," founded on mutual respect, shared strategic interests, and long-standing cooperation, particularly in the energy sector with BP. He recalled that the UK was among the first Western countries to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991, and that British investment had been pivotal in Azerbaijan’s development since then. Blackman emphasized that the partnership had expanded beyond oil and gas to include renewable energy, education, trade, and culture, adding that the relationship was "forward-looking and based firmly on trust," reinforced by the efforts of the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.

Speaking about parliamentary cooperation, Blackman noted that the interparliamentary dialogue had been strengthening each year. He explained that the Azerbaijan All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) served as a key link between the two parliaments, facilitating "frank and constructive discussions" and fostering closer ties with the corresponding group in the Milli Majlis. According to him, the frequency of bilateral meetings, visits, and joint events in both London and Baku had grown notably. Looking ahead to 2026, Blackman said the APPG planned to prioritize cooperation in green energy, post-conflict reconstruction, and education, adding that a parliamentary delegation would visit Azerbaijan to observe post-peace-deal progress and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Reflecting on the April 2023 visit of British parliamentarians to Aghdam, Blackman described it as "profoundly moving." He said the delegation had witnessed "the immense scale of devastation left by years of occupation" and was impressed by the "remarkable progress in reconstruction." He highlighted the demining efforts as both "sobering and inspiring" and confirmed plans to organize another visit to the liberated territories in early 2026. Such visits, he stressed, were invaluable for understanding Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts and cultural heritage and for reaffirming support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Commenting on economic relations, Blackman described trade and investment as one of the strongest pillars of bilateral cooperation. He underlined that the UK remained Azerbaijan’s largest foreign investor, primarily through BP and other energy companies, and expressed optimism over expanding collaboration in renewables, infrastructure, finance, and education. He noted that the Southern Gas Corridor and emerging green energy corridors between the Caspian and Europe provided new avenues for British expertise. Additionally, he identified digital transformation, agritech, and sustainable urban development as promising areas for future partnership, emphasizing that Azerbaijan’s strategic location and the UK’s investment experience could enhance regional connectivity and energy security.

On environmental cooperation, Blackman stated that both parliaments were increasingly active in addressing climate change and advancing sustainability. He praised Azerbaijan’s "ambitious hosting of COP29 in 2024," calling it a testament to Baku’s commitment to green development. He said British parliamentarians had been working with their Azerbaijani counterparts to share best practices in renewable technologies, carbon reduction, and sustainable urban planning. The Friendship Group, he added, was particularly focused on linking British innovation with Azerbaijan’s green transition, such as through wind and solar energy projects in the liberated territories.

Regarding defense and security, Blackman welcomed the UK’s recent decision to fully lift its arms embargo on both Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing it as "a new chapter" in bilateral relations. He said the move demonstrated London’s confidence in Azerbaijan as a "stable, responsible partner" in the South Caucasus. Blackman emphasized that defense cooperation would progress "cautiously and responsibly," focusing on training, cybersecurity, border management, and counterterrorism. Given Azerbaijan’s strategic position bordering Iran, Russia, Armenia, and Georgia, he noted that the country played "a crucial role in maintaining regional stability" and in connecting Europe and Asia via secure transport and energy corridors. He concluded that the UK could contribute expertise in defense modernization, Caspian maritime security, and humanitarian demining in the liberated territories, areas where "partnership can deliver tangible mutual benefits."