Azerbaijan has shown how to defend sovereignty, Slovak minister says

Azerbaijan has proved that it is capable of defending its national interests and state territory, Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kaliňák has stated.

Speaking at an event marking the Constitution and Armed Forces Day of the Slovak Republic, he said the concepts of sovereignty, the Constitution, identity, freedom and democracy take on particular significance when viewed through the prism of Azerbaijan’s experience, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

“Sometimes in Europe, we feel that these words conceal a certain formality, that they are simply important and powerful words that need to be spoken. But especially here, in Baku, in Azerbaijan, the struggle for sovereignty is perceived very differently,” Kaliňák stressed.

The Slovak minister noted that there is always an opportunity to achieve results and ensure the protection of the interests of one’s own people and state territory.

“I also want to congratulate Azerbaijan on its 30-year struggle, which ultimately ended in success,” the minister added.

He also said Slovakia, as a member of the European Union and NATO, advocated peace and considered it the most important condition for its nation.

“We always try to say that we are fighting for peace because it is of paramount importance to our nation. But we want to be allies not only on sunny days, but also on rainy days,” he remarked.

According to the minister, the current security situation in Europe is challenging.

“That is why we are sending our troops to help our friends in Poland and Romania, but we also remember when we tried to support those who are connected with Azerbaijan, and this makes our friendship very strong,” Kaliňák emphasised.

He also expressed satisfaction at being in Baku and celebrating Slovakia’s national holiday together with Azerbaijani partners.

“I am very happy that I can be here, celebrate our national holiday with you and take part tomorrow in ADEX — a very important defence industry exhibition here in Baku,” the minister said.

Kaliňák also thanked the guests for attending the event and expressed hope for further communication and discussions on matters of mutual interest.

“I hope I will have the opportunity to discuss various issues with you, communicate and have a good time together with our military folk ensemble ‘Jánošík’, which would like to show you part of Slovakia’s culture,” he added.

Turning to defence cooperation, Kaliňák said Slovakia was interested in learning from Azerbaijan’s experience in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.

“Azerbaijan is well known for its highly advanced technologies in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles. We are very interested in cooperation in this area. We want to learn from your experience and also draw on your expertise,” Kaliňák reiterated.

He stressed that the Slovak side had already assessed Azerbaijani products and found that they fully met its requirements.

“We have already seen for ourselves that your products are very good and meet our requirements,” Kaliňák clarified.

He also said he planned to hold talks with Azerbaijan’s Defence Industry Minister Vugar Mustafayev to discuss prospects for further cooperation.

“Tomorrow, I have a meeting scheduled with your Defence Industry Minister. We know each other very well, so I am looking forward to our meeting to discuss the further development of this cooperation,” he outlined.

Kaliňák further noted that bilateral defence cooperation was already actively advancing in the areas of howitzers and mortars. He said Azerbaijan had received Slovak-made howitzers and that this area of cooperation “will continue”.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov