Matthew participated in an all-party parliamentary visit to Azerbaijan to see for himself how the former Soviet state is engaging in the 21st century, particularly in regard to the gas and energy sector.

Meeting with the Foreign Minister of the country, Mr Elmar Mammadyarov, Matthew also welcomed the opportunity, on behalf of many of his constituents, to discuss Azerbaijan's relationship with Israel and its neighbour Iran. 

The country is bordered by Iran, Turkey, Russia, Georgia and Armenia - with whom the country is still in official conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Violence continues over the provence and 30 deaths occurred due to fighting as recently as April of this year. As a result of this continuing conflict there are over there are over 600,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Azerbaijan. The majority live in and around Baku, as well as in Sumgayit. The Government has provided accommodation in purpose built properties for many of these people and Matthew visited such a town, meeting residents in the nursery, the museum and even in their own homes. 

As a secular state, Azerbaijan does not have a state religion. Whilst over 95% of the population are Muslims, the Government celebrates its coutry's religious diversity and recently paid for the construction of a new synagogue in the capital for the Religious Community of Mountain Jews of Azerbaijan. Matthew was pleased to meet with Rabbi Shneor and Chairman of the synagogue Yevdayev Milikh Ilhanonovich who explained how their lives as observant Jews successfully worked in the country. 

Matthew said: "Following the EU referendum, many opportunities have been revealed with nations the UK has not previously been able to trade with directly. Azerbaijan presents such an opportunity in the trade of oil and gas exports. It is a country that has historic links with the UK and several ministers expressed their enthusiasm for a new trade deal."