Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the independence of Azerbaijan on 18 October, and (2) to mark the anniversary by strengthening bilateral cooperation with the government of Azerbaijan.

Her Majesty the Queen sends her congratulations on the occasion of the anniversary of countries' national or independence days, including Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, the UK Ambassador will congratulate the people of Azerbaijan on 18 October - the Day of Restoration of Independence. The UK Government continues to work with Azerbaijan to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. In her recent call with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Bayramov, the Minister for Europe and Americas welcomed the continued strengthening of UK-Azerbaijani relations including in key areas such as trade and English language learning.