NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen commended Azerbaijan for its progress in defense reforms and called for closer security cooperation during his first visit to the country on Friday. The Secretary General thanked Azerbaijan for its participation in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan and relayed the Alliance’s appreciation for the country’s additional support given to NATO operations, through over flight and transit lines. Azerbaijan is also helping to fund the training of Afghan security forces. Mr. Fogh Rasmussen also expressed his appreciation to Azerbaijan’s intention to continue to support Afghanistan after the ISAF mission ends in 2014.
“Our relations are developing steadily and positively,” the Secretary General said after talks with President Ilham Alyiev. “We appreciate the steadfast support provided by your troops in Afghanistan.” Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said Azerbaijan is a “valuable partner for NATO,” adding that both sides have “an opportunity to build a solid, long-term partnership.”
He said that the Alliance was determined to build closer ties; “to deepen the practical experience that our military forces have gained by working together in Afghanistan over the years.” He added the two sides had to work together in dealing with the security challenges of the 21st century. The Secretary General said NATO could, for instance, serve as a platform to strengthen cooperation on energy security. The Alliance is already consulting with Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia on training and science cooperation. Azerbaijan was urged to keep up the pace of defense and security sector reform as well. “We encourage you to keep up the momentum in this key area,” said the Secretary General. NATO is assisting Azerbaijan with this reform, helping to remove huge quantities of landmines. “This is one of the biggest such projects in the world and it is of real benefit to people,” said Mr. Fogh Rasmussen. At the same time, Alliance recommended Azerbaijan to continue reforms in defense and security. The Secretary General also touched on issues of regional security and, in particular, the reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The only way to go forward is dialogue, compromise and cooperation, he said. -02D-
Politics
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The Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan reacted to the report of the Kazakh side on the crash of AZAL aircraft on 25 December, published on Tuesday 4 February.
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The Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan has published a preliminary report on the investigation of the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer-190 aircraft, which occurred on December 25, 2024, near Aktau. The report is publicly available on the ministry's official website.
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Under the gray, expansive skies of Brussels, a beacon of administrative initiative at the European Commission sparked to life this month, heralding a renewed vigor in the European Union’s diplomatic outreach. The newly established Directorate General for Enlargement and the Eastern Neighborhood (DG ENEST) debuted on February 1st, setting a new course for EU interaction with its eastern neighbors and potential new members.
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Journalist Nargiz Abaslamova, held in Baku's Detention Center No. 1, was subjected to violence by a guard. While passing by the cell of her colleague Sevinj Vagifgizi, Abaslamova tried to greet her, reported on Abzas Media's Facebook page. However, guard Aygul Babaeva forcibly dragged Abaslamova away and deeply scratched the journalist's arm. Abaslamova stated that this is not the first time the mentioned guard has used force and been rude to journalists. A few days ago, Babaeva also used force against Sevinj Vagifgizi.
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