Minister for Europe’s meeting with Azerbaijani Ambassador, 15 August 2022: statement

Following a meeting with Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK Elin Suleymanov, the Minister for Europe, Graham Stuart said:

Today I spoke to Azerbaijani Ambassador Elin Suleymanov following a serious security incident at the Azerbaijani Embassy in London on 4 August. I emphasised the importance that the UK government attaches to the security of all diplomatic missions in the UK, and expressed my deep regret that the event took place.

The UK has a longstanding tradition of support for the right to freedom of expression, but this must be exercised through peaceful and lawful demonstration.