TREND, Baku — During a visit to Azerbaijan by NATO delegates, led by Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, discussions focused on enhancing military cooperation and regional security. The meetings, reported by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, highlighted the importance of continued partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO.
According to Trend News Agency, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, expressed satisfaction with the current state of relations with NATO. The dialogue underscored the necessity to further strengthen these ties, especially in light of recent regional developments.
The Chief of the General Staff discussed the significance of Azerbaijan's victory in the Patriotic War, led by President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized adherence to international humanitarian law by Azerbaijani forces, ensuring civilian safety during military operations. Valiyev also noted the ongoing restoration and construction efforts in territories liberated from occupation, with a particular focus on humanitarian demining. He highlighted the challenges posed by mine terrorism, attributed to the previous Armenian occupation.
Valiyev detailed the current conditions along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border to the NATO representatives and expressed concerns over the deployment of the European Union observation mission in Armenian territories at the border. He criticized the arming of Armenia by certain extra-regional countries, particularly France, which he claimed could incite revanchist forces and hinder the peace process in the South Caucasus.
Lieutenant General Adamczak expressed his satisfaction with the partnership's progress, lauding the Azerbaijani Army's contributions to NATO's Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan and other international peacekeeping efforts. The discussions also covered cooperation in military training, education, and regional security.
The NATO delegation paid their respects at the Alley of Martyrs, honoring those who died in the January 20 tragedy and the First Karabakh War. Additionally, they visited the Military Trophy Park to view arms and military equipment seized during the Patriotic War.
The visit included stops at the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev and a naval military unit, further emphasizing the broad scope of military and educational cooperation discussed during the visit.