Brussels talks: Azerbaijan, NATO boost inter-parliamentary cooperation

A high-level Azerbaijani delegation, led by Milli Majlis representative Ramid Namazov, has arrived in Brussels to participate in key discussions within the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. Their visit underscores Azerbaijan’s deepening engagement with NATO, particularly in the inter-parliamentary format.

During the trip, Azerbaijani officials, alongside diplomats from the country’s NATO representation office, held significant meetings with NATO Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General Ruxandra Popa and various committee heads.

According to a statement posted by the Azerbaijani Representation to NATO on social media platform X, the discussions focused on bilateral cooperation and strengthening parliamentary dialogue between Azerbaijan and the alliance, per Caliber.Az.

Azerbaijan’s collaboration with NATO dates back to 1992 when it joined the North Atlantic Cooperation Council, later transitioning to the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997. The partnership took a decisive step forward in 1994 with Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program, marking the start of an active and evolving security relationship.

Over the years, Azerbaijan has played an important role in supporting Euro-Atlantic security, contributing troops to NATO-led peacekeeping missions and cooperating on defence reforms. The country’s engagement is guided by its Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), which outlines commitments to security cooperation, military modernization, and political dialogue with NATO.

Beyond military collaboration, NATO has consistently supported Azerbaijan’s diplomatic efforts to establish long-term peace in the South Caucasus. The alliance has encouraged dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the aim of fostering stability and preventing future conflicts.

As Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its ties with NATO through parliamentary diplomacy, its role within the Euro-Atlantic security framework is likely to expand, reinforcing both regional and international stability.

By Tamilla Hasanova