Azerbaijani Defence Minister visits Kazakhstan to observe joint Turkic nations drills PHOTO

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Defence Minister of Azerbaijan, has travelled to Kazakhstan at the invitation of Kazakh Defence Minister Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov to participate in the international operational-tactical command and staff exercises "Birlestik-2024" (We're united-2024).

Upon his arrival at Aktau International Airport, Hasanov was warmly received by his Kazakh counterpart, and they participated in an official greeting ceremony, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry told Caliber.Az.

The event included passing in front of a guard of honour, accompanied by the playing of national anthems from both countries performed by a military band.

During his visit, Hasanov will observe various phases of the "Birlestik-2024" exercises taking place at the Oymasha training ground and Cape Tokmak in the Caspian Sea.

These exercises, scheduled from July 11 to 17, 2024, involve approximately 4,000 servicemen and 700 units of military equipment.

Azerbaijan's delegation to the "Birlestik-2024" exercises includes personnel from the Army, Air Force, and Navy, as well as naval and aviation assets.

The exercises highlight the deepening military cooperation among Central Asian nations and underscore Azerbaijan's participation in fostering regional security within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).