On December 9, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with a delegation led by Rear Admiral Yusuf Karagülle, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Partnerships Directorate at NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), who is visiting Azerbaijan as part of the 16th NATO Days, the Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.
The Minister of Defense stated that the relations of special significance between Azerbaijan and NATO positively contribute to the development of professional military personnel for both sides.
Colonel General Hasanov highly appreciated NATO’s role in ensuring peace and security worldwide, emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently attaches importance to mutual cooperation with the Alliance, and highlighted the declaration of additional forces to the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Pool of Forces.
Rear Admiral Karagülle positively assessed the further expansion of Azerbaijan–NATO relations, Azerbaijan’s participation in the Alliance’s efforts to promote security and stability and in crisis-response operations, and particularly emphasized the effectiveness of mutual visits and meetings held in various formats.
The professionalism of more than 40 officers of the Azerbaijan Army serving at NATO headquarters under the Partnership Staff Element Concept was commended.
During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and prospects of Azerbaijan–NATO cooperation in military and military-educational fields and discussed future plans.
It was noted that, as part of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme, up to 250 representatives of the Azerbaijan Army participated in 146 international events abroad, while 395 personnel took part in 33 NATO events organized in Azerbaijan.
As part of the 16th NATO Days, which will continue until December 12, the guests will visit several military units and special educational institutions of the National Defense University.
