Azerbaijani, NATO officials discuss security, cooperation in Baku

First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijani Army, Col-Gen Karim Valiyev, met with Lt-Gen Janusz Adamczak, Director General of NATO’s International Military Staff, who is on a visit to Azerbaijan.

Col-Gen Valiyev welcomed the NATO delegation and praised the current level of relations with NATO, emphasizing the importance of developing mutual cooperation, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ministry of Defence.

During the meeting, Valiyev highlighted the historical significance of Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev.

He noted that during military operations, the Azerbaijani Army strictly adhered to international humanitarian law and did not target civilians.

"Our country is rapidly carrying out reconstruction and humanitarian demining work in the liberated territories. The main obstacle we face is the threat of landmines resulting from the Armenian occupation," Valiyev stated.

The guests were also briefed on the current situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. Valiyev emphasized NATO’s significant role in preparing Azerbaijani military units through the Operational Capabilities Concept and stressed the need for continued cooperation.

Additionally, Valiyev pointed out that the deployment of the EU monitoring mission on the Armenian side of the border, along with Armenia’s armament by countries outside the region, particularly France, has emboldened revanchist forces in Armenia. He warned that this has created obstacles to normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, exacerbating tensions in the South Caucasus.

Lt-Gen Adamczak expressed satisfaction with his visit to Azerbaijan and praised the Azerbaijani Army’s contributions within NATO partnerships, including its role in the non-combat "Resolute Support" mission in Afghanistan and other peacekeeping operations.

The meeting also covered aspects of cooperation in military and military-educational fields, as well as regional security issues.

As part of their visit, the NATO delegation paid respects at the Alley of Martyrs, honouring those who lost their lives in the January 20 tragedy and the First Karabakh War, which fought for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity. The delegation also visited the Military Trophy Park, where they viewed firearms, armoured vehicles, artillery, missile systems, and other military equipment captured from the enemy during the Patriotic War.

During their stay, the NATO delegation also toured the Heydar Aliyev Military Institute and a Naval Forces unit.

By Khagan Isayev