Azerbaijan, NATO discuss military cooperation prospects

Baku, September 7, AZERTAC Azerbaijan and NATO have discussed prospects for military cooperation as First Deputy Minister of Defense, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces Najmaddin Sadikov met with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel. Sadikov noted high-level military cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO as well as the activities of the Azerbaijani armed forces within various international programs. He also pointed out the Azerbaijani military`s successful contribution to NATO`s Resolute Support mission. Sadikov highlighted a significant role of national leader Heydar Aliyev and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev in establishing an efficient and confiding relationship between Azerbaijan and NATO. Touching upon the current situation in the region, he noted the importance of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh problem within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and according to the international law. Praising NATO`s position on Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity and independence, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces said he hopes the organization will remain committed to its stance. Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel described Azerbaijan as a reliable partner and praised the country`s contribution to the fight against terrorism and cargo transportation for peaceful activities and professionalism of the Azerbaijani troops serving as part of the peacekeeping force in Afghanistan. Pavel commended the Azerbaijani leadership for its efforts to organize his meeting with the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces in Baku.