Italian military experts visit Azerbaijan for civil-military cooperation talks PHOTO

Italian military experts specializing in civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) visited Azerbaijan as part of a bilateral plan between the two countries' defence ministries.

The Italian delegation attended a meeting organized by the Media and Public Affairs Department of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, Caliber.Az reports via Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry.

During the visit, officials briefed the delegation on the ministry's communication strategy, approved by Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the ministry said in a statement.

The Italian team was also provided with details about Azerbaijan’s 2020 conflict with Armenia, known locally as the 44-day Patriotic War, which ended in an Azerbaijani military victory. Discussions included the dissemination of information during and after the conflict, as well as measures to counter disinformation, according to the statement.

The visit featured presentations by Italian military experts on CIMIC practices, followed by discussions on adopting advanced methods and addressing areas of mutual interest, the ministry said.

To recap, Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) held talks with officials from Italy's Ministry of Defence and the Italian Embassy on joint demining initiatives, according to local media.

ANAMA outlined its efforts to clear unexploded ordnance in territories reclaimed from occupation and highlighted the ongoing risks posed by landmines.

Discussions centred on potential Italian support to bolster Azerbaijan's demining capabilities, with both sides expressing a commitment to enhancing safety and stability in affected regions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev