SBS head: Transformation of threats to border security observed in recent years

A certain transformation of threats to border security, the emergence of new types of transborder crime, and the expansion of its geography are observed in recent years, Azerbaijan’s State Border Service Head Col Gen Elchin Guliyev said.

He made the remarks at the 86th session of the Council of Commanders of the CIS Border Guard Forces held in Baku on June 8, Report informs.

According to him, this in turn determines the relevance of the search and application of new approaches and solutions to ensure border security.

"In this regard, the timely and correct assessment of ongoing processes, comprehensive and effective approach in ensuring border security are effective tools of counteraction to international terrorism, separatism, trans-border crime, including illegal migration, smuggling of drugs and other prohibited materials," Guliyev said.

He also noted that the issues of border security are under the special attention of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

"Over the past 20 years, the head of the state has visited various military units of the State Border Service more than forty times and personally got acquainted with the situation in the units. Under direct support of the president a set of measures and activities on improvement of the system of border security has and is still being implemented," Guliev added.

The official stressed that necessary measures are being taken to improve the border infrastructure and social protection of the personnel.

"Special attention is paid to the creation of border infrastructure in the territories liberated from the occupation. After restoring the country's territorial integrity, the necessary measures were taken to organise service and combat operations in the liberated sections of the state border. The Gubadli separate border division, brigades of rapid reaction forces and various military units have been created," the head of the service emphasised.

Furthermore, the official pointed out that in the current operational situation, the state border remains the borderline where the primary efforts are concentrated to ensure national security.

"Against this backdrop, issues of expansion of international border cooperation and consolidation of joint efforts to solve emerging problems and ensure stability on the state borders are becoming increasingly important,” he noted.

He noted that the State Border Service attaches great importance to the implementation and development of both bilateral and multilateral cooperation with border services at the bilateral, regional and international levels.

In order to organise cooperation with border agencies of neighbouring countries, meetings and consultations are organised with representatives of Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Georgia, Türkiye and Iran, new forms and methods of further cooperation are being considered, he said.

As an example of cooperation, he mentioned the experience of joint preventive measures on the Caspian Sea together with Russian and Kazakh colleagues.

"Mutual friendly visits of border ships are also carried out, working meetings on the line of border control and operational bodies are held, demarcation work on the Azerbaijani-Russian border successfully continues, operational exchange of information and coordination of issues arising on the Azerbaijani-Armenian section of the state border,” he added.

According to him, within the framework of cooperation in the training of professional personnel, the training of soldiers of the Tajik border troops at Azerbaijan’s Academy of the State Border Service continues.

In May of this year, the first graduation of cadets who successfully completed the four-year officer program and were awarded the officer's military rank of lieutenant took place.

Speaking at the meeting, Presidential Administration’s Military Affairs Department Head Maharram Aliyev said that Azerbaijan pays special attention to border security issues.

Aliyev reminded that this year marks the 100th anniversary of national leader Heydar Aliyev, who laid the foundations of the country's border security. He also noted the great leader's contribution to training Azerbaijani officers.

"Azerbaijan pays special attention to border security. As a result of the war, our lands have been liberated and territorial integrity restored. New methods of protecting our state's borders are being worked on," the presidential aide noted.

Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan is committed to ensuring sustainable peace in the South Caucasus.

"In this regard, it is also important to protect and secure the borders and the overall consolidation in this matter. I am confident that the activities of the Council in the future will also contribute to strengthening our cooperation,” he stressed.