Baku: On December 4, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, met with a delegation led by the Minister of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Lord Vernon Coaker, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Defense revealed to APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the UK delegation paid their respects at the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs), honoring those who sacrificed their lives for their country. The Azerbaijan Defense Minister, welcoming the guests, underscored the importance of military relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, noting their positive impact on the development of both nations’ armed forces.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov emphasized the significance of establishing the Defense Attach© Office of the United Kingdom in Azerbaijan last year. Lord Vernon Coaker expressed gratitude for the hospitality received and reiterated the UK’s interest in further expanding military cooperation with Azerbaijan. He highlighted that mutual visits and meetings are effective for exchanging experiences.

The meeting, attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the UK, Mr. Elin Suleymanov, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UK to Azerbaijan, Mr. Fergus Auld, involved an extensive exchange of views on the current state and prospects for military, military-technical, and military-educational cooperation.

During the visit, the delegation attended the graduation ceremony of the Instructor Training Course with young officers from the Officer Training Course at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army. Deputy Minister of Defense, Director General Mr. Agil Gurbanov, expressed gratitude to the UK delegation for their support in conducting the course. Certificates were presented to the graduates by Mr. Agil Gurbanov, Major General Gunduz Abdulov, representatives of the United Kingdom, and ambassadors.