Riyadh: Azerbaijan and Slovakia have signed a contract as part of the World Defense Exhibition held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, APA reports, citing Slovakia's Pravda newspaper. The agreement marks a significant step in defense collaboration between the two nations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the parties concluded a framework agreement for the purchase of SAM-120 automatic mortars, which are manufactured by Slovakia's ZTS Sp©ci¡l weapons factory. Slovakia's Minister of Defense, Robert Kalin¡k, stated that negotiations are currently underway for the delivery of 96 mortars, as part of the first phase of the contract.

The minister highlighted that this framework agreement reflects two main areas in which cooperation between Slovakia and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense Industry should be developed. He also noted that this project represents a new direction for Slovakia and expressed satisfaction with the trust shown by Azerbaijan. Additionally, Kalin¡k emphasized that other countries are also interested in this matter, indicating potential broader international interest.

The agreement was signed on the Slovak side by Miroslav Sim, Director of ZTS Sp©ci¡l. This collaboration is seen as a pivotal move in enhancing defense capabilities and strengthening international ties in the defense sector.