NATO keeps up close cooperation with Azerbaijan to repel potential security challenges

NATO Secretary General's Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Javier Colomina has said that NATO and Azerbaijan broadly returned to the pre-COVID-19 levels of cooperation.

He made the remarks in an interview with the Baku-based news agency APA on December 19.

“For many years, NATO and Azerbaijan are maintaining a close partnership focused on exchanges of view on security issues of mutual concern and practical cooperation to enhance the interoperability of our forces, but also to address emerging security challenges,” Colomina said.

According to him, work is underway to develop a new partnership framework document, called Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (or ITPP), which should set an ambitious course for the coming years.

Meanwhile, speaking about the ongoing war in Ukraine, Colomina said that Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war against Ukraine undermined peace and stability in Europe and triggered a food and energy crisis, which affects many around the world.  

“Russian President Vladimir Putin has made big strategic mistakes. He totally underestimated the determination of the Ukrainians to defend their country, their homes, and their families. He has also totally underestimated the unity of NATO allies and our partners in imposing unprecedented costs on the Kremlin.”  

The alliance’s official stressed that many other countries were affected by Russia’s reckless actions, including NATO partners in the South Caucasus.

“At the same time, the war in Ukraine has led to an increase in the strategic significance of energy diversification and oil, as well as in gas deliveries from Azerbaijan,” Colomina underlined.

“I hope this will encourage these countries to redouble their efforts to build more resilient societies and economies, and determine their own future path, in harmony with their neighbours, free from unwanted forms of meddling and pressure. This is key both for their own sovereignty and security and for regional stability,” the NATO official added.