Azerbaijan, NATO exchange views on expanding military partnership

Azerbaijani Deputy Defence Minister, Director General Agil Gurbanov and a delegation led by Deputy Chief of Staff Partnership Directorate, RADM Gunnstein Bruasdal have highlighted the positive relations between Azerbaijan and NATO.

Gunnstein is on a visit to Azerbaijan as part of the "15th NATO Days" event, which is held under the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme with NATO, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry told Caliber.Az.

The sides exchanged views on issues with potential for further development of established ties. The contribution of Azerbaijani military personnel participating in NATO's Operational Capabilities Concept and other programmes was highly appreciated.

The importance of experience sharing and enhancing military skills through participation in various training sessions and courses was emphasised. During the meeting, the prospects for the development of bilateral relations were discussed, and responses were provided to questions of mutual interest.

Earlier, a delegation headed by NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General Burcu San visited Azerbaijan. Head of the International Military Cooperation Department, Colonel Elchin Abdullayev met with the NATO delegation. The meeting focused on the implementation of commitments outlined in the "Individually Tailored Partnership Programme" (ITPP), which serves as the primary legal framework for cooperation with NATO, as well as Azerbaijan's participation in international security missions.  

The sides discussed the training of various military units declared by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces for integration into NATO’s Joint Armed Forces under the Operational Capabilities Concept, as well as the contributions of Azerbaijani personnel serving in various NATO headquarters and structures under the "Partnership Staff Positions" concept.

By Naila Huseynova