Zakir Hasanov: Azerbaijan Strengthens Cooperation with NATO

Baku / 03.05.19 / Turan: Developing partnerships with NATO is one of the main areas of military cooperation of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, and a joint peacekeeping mission with the Alliance is a vivid example of the efforts and goodwill to ensure security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. Azerbaijan has contributed to international stability by taking part in NATO-led operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan since the very first days.

This is stated in a statement by the Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijan"s cooperation with NATO.

In 2018, Azerbaijan increased its military contingent in Afghanistan by 30% as part of the Resolute Support mission.

In addition, Azerbaijan provides political, financial, material and technical support, as well as land and air transit to this country.

Azerbaijan is one of the first countries to join the planning and analysis process. This mechanism contributes to the implementation of military reforms, ensuring interoperability and transformation of the Armed Forces, Zakir Hasanov said.

Cooperation with NATO allows the integration of the educational standards of the Alliance into the system of military professional education in Azerbaijan.

"Our direct participation in partnership mechanisms and NATO cooperation programs plays a significant role in setting the framework for reforms in the field of defense and security of Azerbaijan, as well as the entire region, and thereby enhances the security of both regional and Euro-Atlantic space," Hasanov said.

"NATO"s strong position on conflict resolution in the South Caucasus is commendable. Azerbaijan is grateful to NATO for supporting the territorial integrity of our country," Hasanov said.

According to the Minister of Defense, located between Europe and Asia, the South Caucasus, and especially Azerbaijan, plays an important role in the global energy market. The South Caucasus is an important region for Europe in terms of energy security. The presence of unresolved conflicts in the region creates a great threat not only to the energy security of Europe, but also to its stability. Therefore, the resolution of conflicts in accordance with the norms and principles of international law, including the requirements of the UN Charter, is in the interests of the international community. -02D-