On September 19, Minister of Defense, colonel-general Safar Abiyev met with chief officer of the US European Command, Major-General Edward Lafonten and the accompanying delegation.

According to Defense Ministry’ press-service, having greeted the guests Minister said, “Today’s situation in the world requires United States and Azerbaijan to be next to each other. Right after the events of 11 September Azerbaijan has defined its place in the antiterrorism coalition. Today, Azerbaijan attaches a special importance to cooperation with USA and NATO, integration in its European security bodies”

Having expressed gratitude for warm welcome, MG E. Lafonten said: “USA and Azerbaijan have taken the fight against international terrorism as a major goal. As a representative of the European Command of US Armed Forces, I feel satisfaction with helping Azerbaijan in all fields.”

Having updated the guest on the military-political situation in the South Caucasian region, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev said, “Azerbaijan’s active participation in the fight against international terrorism makes neighboring countries to worry. However, Azerbaijan will never turn off the way of freedom”. Minister then noted that USA is Azerbaijan’s strategic Partner and Azerbaijani state would maintain these ties.

It is known, today, Azerbaijan is cooperating with NATO within Partnership for Peace program. An individual plan between Azerbaijan and NATO is to be developed by the end of the year.

Touching upon the resolution of Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict Defense Minister stressed that if world community would not manage to affect Armenia, in this case, Azerbaijani nation would liberate its lands by all means.

MG E. Lafonten noted that Azerbaijan had succeeded in building its army. “It became possible due to personal efforts of your President, Mr. Heydar Aliyev. I believe that President Heydar Aliyev will soon recover and return to Azerbaijan…. Development of your Armed Forces has surprised me in the good sense of the word ”, he said.

Speaking on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, MG E. Lafonten noted that the resolution of this problem by military means is the emergency case. Politicians should work more.

Later on, the parties exchanged views on military cooperation Azerbaijan-NATO and USA-Azerbaijan. GC Safar Abiyev said, “USA and NATO should not hesitate on the issue of military cooperation with Azerbaijan. Our cooperation should expand from day to day.”

The Meeting was attended by US Charge' d'Affaires to Azerbaijan Ms. Nancy Maceldowny.