Azerbaijan, US discuss expanding military cooperation PHOTO / VIDEO

Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, has held talks in Baku with Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), as the two sides discussed prospects for expanding military cooperation.

The visit, which took place on 18 October, began with Admiral Cooper and his delegation paying their respects at Baku’s Alley of Martyrs — a customary gesture of honour during high-level visits, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry.

During the talks, Minister Hasanov highlighted the ongoing reforms in the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, saying they have strengthened the country’s defence capabilities and modernised its military structure. He also expressed satisfaction with the progress in Azerbaijan–US defence ties.

Admiral Cooper thanked the Azerbaijani side for its hospitality and underlined the importance of continued dialogue between Baku and Washington. He praised Azerbaijan’s contribution to NATO’s former “Resolute Support” mission in Afghanistan and said there was scope to deepen cooperation in security and defence.

By Vugar Khalilov