Kazakhstan decorates Azerbaijani top general for defence cooperation between two states PHOTO

Azerbaijan's First Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of the General Staff, Colonel General Kerim Veliyev, was awarded Kazakhstan's Medal "For Contribution to the Development of Military Cooperation" during a working visit to Astana, Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry said.

The award recognised Veliyev's role in strengthening defence ties between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, which have expanded military cooperation in recent years through joint exercises and exchanges between their armed forces.

During the visit, Veliyev held talks with Kazakhstan's Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Kanysh Abubakirov. The two military leaders discussed bilateral defence cooperation, regional security issues and prospects for further collaboration.

Both sides highlighted the strategic partnership and longstanding ties between the two countries, noting that joint training activities have helped improve military preparedness and professional expertise.

Veliyev also took part in a meeting of the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), where participants reviewed regional security challenges and discussed future military cooperation among member states.

Addressing the gathering, Veliyev outlined the military and political situation in the South Caucasus following what Baku describes as the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

By Aghakazim Guliyev