DEFENSE MINISTRIES OF AZERBAIJAN AND GREAT BRITAIN SIGN MEMO ON MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
He expressed satisfaction with the existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom in political, economic and other spheres. It is very remarkable that the memo on mutual understanding we are to sign today will lay the foundation for our military cooperation, he said.
Ambassador Bristow noted for his part that the two countries had been cooperating in military sphere even before within the framework of the NATO Partnership for Peace program, and that, both counties’ units are now serving side by side in Iraq. The memo according to him will promote intensive development of the military cooperation between Azerbaijan and UK.
I believe, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev responded, that the signing of the memo will serve strengthening of independence and security of Azerbaijan. Then, the Minister exchange views with the British Ambassador on the political and military situation in the Southern Caucasian region. Touching upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, he expressed concern over the fact that the international community had not yet recognized Armenia, which had occupied 20% of the Azerbaijan’s territories as an aggressor.
The Minister also informed the guests on Azerbaijan’s integration into the European security structures, intensification of the country’s activities within the NATO Partnership for Peace program and implementation jointly European countries of large-scale economic project.
Ambassador Bristow expressed his government’s belief in fair resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, and noted that the United Kingdom is very interested in long-term security in Azerbaijan.
In conclusion, Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Colonel-General Safar Abiyev and Ambassador Laurie Bristow have signed the memorandum on mutual understanding and Defense links between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
