23 May 2018 19:40

Baku attaches special significance to cooperation with NATO - defense minister

BAKU. May 23 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met with Maj. Gen. Odd Egil Pedersen, the head of NATO's Military Partnerships Directorate, and Erhan Uzun, the chief of staff of the NATO Allied Land Command, in Baku on Wednesday.

"During the meeting, Hasanov emphasized the special importance Azerbaijan attaches to cooperation with NATO and noted that servicemen of the Azerbaijani military routinely participate in the Alliance's programs, particularly the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan," the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.

NATO representatives, in turn, pointed out that Azerbaijan is an important partner of NATO and commended Azerbaijani officers' skill and knowledge.

NATO representatives are in Azerbaijan to monitor a field exercise of the country's reconnaissance troops held under the Operational Capabilities Concept.