Professionalism of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in Afghanistan appraised
By Rashid Shirinov
The exemplary service and professionalism of the servicemen of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces ensuring the security of the Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA) within the framework of the NATO Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan were highly appreciated.
Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported on June 8 that the commander of the garrison of HKIA Brigadier-General Murat Selchuk Chol sent a letter of thanks to the Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov about the distinction of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in the performance of service duties.
“I want to express my deep appreciation with the high level of exemplary service of Azerbaijani peacekeepers serving at the Hamid Karzai International Airport within the framework of the NATO Resolute Support mission held in Afghanistan,” the letter said.
Chol expressed his gratitude on behalf of 5,000 military servicemen and civilian personnel from 52 countries serving in the military unit at the Hamid Karzai International Airport.
The letter also noted that the Azerbaijani military servicemen, with great efforts and high vigilance and discipline, have made a huge contribution to the security, as well as to the success achieved by the Force Protection Group.
“Azerbaijani peacekeepers established friendly relations with Turkish and other international representatives on the basis of personal values and a sense of great responsibility. All the Azerbaijani peacekeepers represent their country at a high level,” the letter said.
The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving under the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002.
Azerbaijan, as a reliable partner of NATO and friend of brotherly Afghanistan, is committed to continue its significant contribution to the Resolute Support Mission by providing troops, multi-modal transit, training and financial assistance.
The country has several times made substantial donations to the Afghan National Army (ANA) Trust Fund. Moreover, Azerbaijan supports Afghanistan on its path of reforms towards integrating into regional and global economy.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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