Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan will increase its peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan
By Rashid Shirinov
Azerbaijan will increase its peacekeeping contingent in NATO’s Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, Azerbiajani Defense Ministry told Trend on December 4.
The peacekeeping contingent will be increased in accordance with the relevant instruction given by President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, noted the ministry.
“It is planned to increase the number of peacekeepers before the first quarter of next year,” the message says.
The peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving in Afghanistan since November 20, 2002. Currently, 90 servicemen, two medical officers and two engineer sappers of Azerbaijani Armed Forces are participating in a mission in Afghanistan.
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. In addition, Azerbaijan has for many years participated in peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Kosovo.
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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov
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