Political Section

Catherine Cleeve, Second Secretary Political heads the political section , which reports on political and economic issues to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London. We liaise with the government, parliament, political parties, academics, journalists, NGOs and others on internal and foreign policy issues, including economic issues and human rights. Currently our main priorities are to support Azerbaijan’s program of democratic reforms and aspirations towards greater partnership with the European Union and NATO, and to help Azerbaijan meet the obligations of membership of the Council of Europe.

We support bilateral relations by encouraging links between Azerbaijani and British government departments, cultural institutions, NGOs and experts. We arrange visits to Azerbaijan by UK government members, MPs and independent experts to advise their Azerbaijani counterparts and to take part in seminars and conferences. We also arrange visits to the UK by Azerbaijani government members, MPs and others to take part in conferences, seminars and for discussions with the counterparts in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, other British government departments, institutions and NGOs.

We administer a range of projects funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, often in conjunction with local Azerbaijani NGOs. These projects support Azerbaijani’s democratic reform process and support fulfillment of Azerbaijan’s international obligations. For more information on projects please contact to Anar Nagiyev, Projects Officer (anar.nagiyev@fco.gov.uk)

Commercial and Energy Section

The Commercial Section provides assistance and information to British companies. Our help includes identifying business opportunities, suggesting local contacts, producing reports (sectoral and more detailed). We also offer practical advice about doing business in this market.

The Section also promotes the UK Government’s energy security agenda in Azerbaijan and, given the wider context, within the region. Azerbaijan is a key state for the transmission of Caspian energy supplies to the world market.

Consular and Visa Sections

The Consular Section is responsible for the consular protection of British nationals visiting or temporarily resident in Azerbaijan. This includes travel advice and practical help to visitors. Main services include issuing UK passports helping British citizens in distress. The Visa Section provides visa services to Azerbaijanis and other foreign nationals wishing to visit the United Kingdom. For more information on these services, please visit the Services section of the web site.

Defence Section

The Defence Attaché, Lt Colonel Nick Ridout, based at the British Embassy in Tbilisi, covers the South Caucasus region. He visits Azerbaijan regularly. He works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry to maintain a dialogue between the UK and Azerbaijan on defence matters.

Press and Public Affairs

The Press and Public Affairs Section (PPAS) is responsible for presenting and promoting Britain and British Government policy in Azerbaijan. PPAS liases closely with the British Council to ensure a co-ordinated effort across the country.

PPAS co-ordinates all media operations for the UK Government including press conferences and interviews by visiting Government Ministers. It is also responsible for public diplomacy events. The PPAS team works very closely with the Azerbaijani media to ensure that the British Government's message is heard by as many people as possible.

The Embassy’s Press Officer is Sevinj Asadova (sevinj.asadova@fco.gov.uk )

Management Section

Management Section provides administrative support to all sections of the Embassy. This involves personnel management, recruitment and payment of local staff, maintenance of properties and accommodation for UK Based staff and responsibility for all official expenditure.

Security Section

The security section in Baku is overseen by the Regional Overseas Security Manager, who is based in Baku. He is assisted by a local guard force whos main purpose is to provide 24/7 protection for the Embassy and Ambassador's Residence. Security's role is to control entry into the Residence and the Mission, conduct internal security patrols and respond to any request for help or assistance. They also liase with relevant local government authorities to assist them when necessary in their role.