Azerbaijani, Iranian troops conduct initial training for Araz-2024 joint exercise PHOTO

The preparatory phase for the Araz-2024 joint tactical exercise, conducted with the special forces of Azerbaijan Army's Land Forces and the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (SEPAH) Ground Forces near Iran's Aslanduz settlement in Ardabil province has been completed.

As part of the scenario, the personnel familiarised themselves with the training area, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ministry of Defence.

Following this, commanders delivered reports on the exercise.

In the next phase of the Araz-2024 joint tactical exercise, military personnel from both nations have begun training in the designated exercise area.

Thus, according to the Iranian media, the four-day military exercise, which commenced on November 24, is being held in the challenging, high-altitude terrain of Aslanduz, located in Iran’s northwestern Ardabil province.

Rapid reaction units from both Azerbaijan's military and IRGC Ground Forces are actively engaged in the joint operations. These exercises are a direct result of previous talks between senior military officials from both nations. 

On November 19, delegation from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence visited Tehran to attend a meeting of the Joint Commission on Military and Military-Technical Cooperation between Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Iran, according to Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence.

During the visit, Major General Farid Aliyev, Acting Chief of the Main Department of Military-Technical Supply and head of the Azerbaijani delegation, held a bilateral meeting with Brigadier General Mohammadreza Ashtiani, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.

The discussions focused on the current state and future prospects of military cooperation between the two countries, with both sides sharing views on key areas of mutual interest.

Following this, the Joint Commission held a session to discuss the ongoing collaboration between the two countries' military institutions. The talks also explored potential new areas for cooperation and ways to expand future military-technical partnerships.

The meeting ended with the signing of a protocol, outlining the agreed areas of cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev