Baku, Bucharest discuss priorities, prospects of military cooperation
By Sara Rajabova
Azerbaijani and Romanian officials have exchanged views on the military-technical cooperation between the two countries.
A delegation headed by Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov paid a visit to Romania on the invitation of Defense Minister Mircea Dusa on August 27.
The delegation was welcomed by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Defense Ministry of Romania, General Dumitru Scarlat.
As part of the visit, the delegation met Defense Minister Dusa and the Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies Valeriu Zgonea.
The sides discussed the main priorities and prospects of military cooperation between the two countries. They reached agreements in military-technical and military-educational spheres, as well as in the fields of mountain exercises and training exchange.
The parties also discussed the questions of regional security and exchanged views on latest developments in Eastern Europe and South Caucasus. The sides emphasized mutual support for territorial integrity of both countries.
The Azerbaijani delegation is also expected to meet Economy Minister Constantin Niţă.
Azerbaijan and Romania have a long history of relations dating back to the 15th century.
Romania officially recognized Azerbaijan's independence on December 11, 1991. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1992. The countries have established embassies in their respective capitals.
While the two share good cooperation in multiple areas, the main focus has been on trade and energy links, with trade delegations and frequent talks regarding the further development of such ties and an increase in bilateral trade since trade originating from Azerbaijan approximately five times more than ($161 million) of those from Romania ($31.83 million).
Romania also has been a strong advocate of Azerbaijan's future membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), pointing out the strategic importance of the country for trade and shipping, particularly with a view towards Afghanistan.