Armenia and the United Kingdom have signed a joint declaration on strategic partnership following talks between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held on the sidelines of the 8th Summit of the European Political Community in Yerevan.
The declaration marks the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two countries and builds on the November 2023 joint statement on launching the Armenia-UK strategic dialogue.
During the meeting, Pashinyan described Starmer’s visit to Armenia as “historic,” noting that it was the first visit by a British prime minister to Armenia.
The Armenian prime minister expressed confidence that the visit and talks would give “new impetus” to bilateral relations and help expand cooperation in various directions.
Starmer thanked the Armenian side for the warm hospitality and for organizing the EPC summit at a high level. He also emphasized the importance of expanding multifaceted cooperation with Armenia.
The sides discussed issues related to the bilateral agenda as well as regional developments.
In the joint declaration, Armenia and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, human rights, rule of law, good governance and the rules-based international order, including respect for sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
The United Kingdom also reiterated its support for the institutionalization of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and normalization of relations based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity and the delimitation of borders in line with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.
The declaration underlined the importance of the August 8, 2025 Washington Peace Summit declaration and the initialed Agreement on Peace and Interstate Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The two countries also welcomed ongoing efforts aimed at unblocking regional transport links and improving connectivity and stability in the region.
In that context, the sides agreed to continue discussions on connectivity projects, highlighting the “Crossroads of Peace” and “TRIPP” initiatives as platforms for strengthening regional connectivity and economic cooperation.
The declaration outlined three main areas of strategic cooperation: defense and security, economic growth and development, and governance and democratic resilience.
In the field of defense and security, the sides expressed a long-term commitment to strengthening Armenia’s capacities in security, resilience and defense, including through cooperation in defense reforms, border security, cyber resilience and responses to hybrid threats.
On economic cooperation, the two countries said they aim to promote sustainable economic growth and diversification in Armenia, deepen bilateral trade and investment ties and strengthen regional connectivity in transport, energy and communications.
The declaration also emphasized cooperation in governance and democratic resilience, including support for transparent and effective governance, free and fair elections, anti-corruption efforts, independent media and civil society.
The sides agreed to hold annual strategic partnership meetings covering the three areas of cooperation and to establish a joint framework document to monitor progress and ensure coordination of actions.
The declaration states that it is not an international treaty and does not create legal obligations under domestic or international law.
