'Growing threats and challenges globally require the strengthening of cooperation between our countries in the sphere of defense and security,' said President Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Republic of Azerbaijan in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. 'In this context, I would like to especially emphasize the international operational-tactical command-staff exercises 'Birlestik-2024' held in Kazakhstan last month, in which Azerbaijan also took part. The training of cadets from Central Asian countries in Azerbaijan's military educational institutions is also an indicator of the development of relations in this area,' the head of state added. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency