Baku conference: Azerbaijan and NATO - 30 years of Partnership for Peace

A scientific-practical conference to mark the 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan's accession to NATO's Partnership for Peace program framework document was held in Baku on November 26. 

The event featured discussions on the history, current state, and future prospects of Azerbaijan's partnership with the Alliance, the achievements of the SNT program, Azerbaijan's contributions to NATO-led peacekeeping operations, its role in ensuring energy security in the European region, and other topics stemming from Azerbaijan's collaboration with NATO, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The conference was attended by Acting Head of the Military-Political Affairs Department of Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, Anar Mutallimov; NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations, Burcu San; members of the academic community from foreign countries; analysts; and representatives of local government agencies and relevant educational institutions.

A delegation headed by NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General Burcu San has visited Azerbaijan.

To recall, on November 25, a delegation headed by NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General Burcu San visited Azerbaijan. Head of the International Military Cooperation Department, Colonel Elchin Abdullayev met with the NATO delegation. The meeting focused on the implementation of commitments outlined in the "Individually Tailored Partnership Programme" (ITPP), which serves as the primary legal framework for cooperation with NATO, as well as Azerbaijan's participation in international security missions.  

The parties discussed the training of various military units declared by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces for integration into NATO’s Joint Armed Forces under the Operational Capabilities Concept, as well as the contributions of Azerbaijani personnel serving in various NATO headquarters and structures under the "Partnership Staff Positions" concept.

NATO and Azerbaijan have a long-standing partnership, for 30 years, since Azerbaijan joined the Partnership for Peace in 1994. The collaboration has focused on issues of mutual concern – from energy security to capability development. NATO’s Science for Peace and Security programme has also underpinned cooperation to enhance counter-terrorism and strengthen cyber security.

By Khagan Isayev