Baku: The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, engaged in discussions with a NATO delegation led by Rear Admiral Yusuf Karaglle, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Partnerships Directorate at NATO Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), during the 16th NATO Days in Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the meeting highlighted the significant relationship between Azerbaijan and NATO, which plays a vital role in developing professional military personnel for both parties. Colonel General Hasanov expressed appreciation for NATO’s global peace and security efforts and emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to enhancing mutual cooperation with the Alliance. He also noted the declaration of additional forces to the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) Pool of Forces.
Rear Admiral Karaglle acknowledged the positive trajectory of Azerbaijan-NATO relations. He praised Azerbaijan’s involvement in the Alliance’s security and stability initiatives and crisis-response operations. The admiral also highlighted the value of mutual visits and meetings in diverse formats, underscoring the professionalism of over 40 Azerbaijani officers serving at NATO headquarters under the Partnership Staff Element Concept.
The discussions covered the current state and future plans for Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation in military and military-educational fields. It was reported that, through the Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme, 250 Azerbaijani Army representatives participated in 146 international events abroad, with 395 personnel attending 33 NATO events held in Azerbaijan.
The 16th NATO Days, ongoing until December 12, will include visits to several military units and special educational institutions of the National Defense University.