Azerbaijan’s defence minister holds talks in Italy during official visit

A delegation led by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, is on an official visit to Italy, where he has held high-level talks aimed at deepening bilateral military cooperation.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defence, the delegation visited the country’s embassy in Italy as part of the programme. Hasanov later met with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, in an official ceremony that included a guard of honour and the playing of both national anthems.

The meeting, attended by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, focused on the current state and future prospects of bilateral ties built on a strategic partnership. The sides discussed expanding cooperation in military, defence-industrial, and military-educational fields, as well as other areas of mutual interest.

In a separate statement, Italy’s Ministry of Defence said the talks also addressed regional security issues, including efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East and the South Caucasus. The Italian side described Azerbaijan as a key player in the Eurasian region and an important ally and strategic partner in the energy sector.

Crosetto condemned the Iranian drone strike on Nakhchivan and highlighted Azerbaijan’s restraint and responsible approach amid rising tensions.

The discussions also covered the development of joint training and educational programmes between the armed forces, with both sides expressing readiness to further strengthen defence cooperation.