Azernews.Az

By Rashid Shirinov

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry Zakir Hasanov and Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe agreed to strengthen bilateral military cooperation during their meeting in Beijing on April 27.

Within the meeting the sides signed a document on military assistance, according to Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry.

Fenghe noted that despite the remoteness of China and Azerbaijan from the geographical point of view, the two countries have friendly relations since the ancient times. Speaking about the diplomatic relations established between Azerbaijan and China 26 years ago, he noted that the cooperation between the countries in various fields has expanded and mutual trust has strengthened sufficiently over the past period.

The Chinese minister noted with satisfaction the creation of new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries as part of the One Belt One Road Initiative and the huge support of Azerbaijan for this strategy. He also mentioned the great potential for cooperation in the military sphere.

The Chinese minister reminded that his country’s position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has not changed, adding that China, as before, supports the conflict’s settlement in accordance with the norms and principles of international law within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Hasanov, in turn, noted that comprehensive cooperation with China is one of the top priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. He added that friendly relations between the countries have entered a new stage of development.

The minister stressed that Azerbaijan respects China’s One Belt One Road Initiative, supports this concept and recognizes organizations representing China on the international arena.

Touching upon the military and political situation in the South Caucasus, Hasanov noted that Armenia’s aggressive policy against Azerbaijan for more than 25 years poses a serious threat not only to Azerbaijan, but also to peace and security in the entire region.

During the meeting, the ministers also discussed prospects of development of cooperation in military, military-technical, military-educational and other spheres.

On the next day, Hasanov visited CETC International Company, which manufactures high-tech products in the defense industry, and discussed issues of military-technical cooperation with the leadership of the enterprise. Then the minister viewed the military equipment produced by the company.

On April 29, the defense minister visited Poly Technologies Company, which is a part of the military-industrial complex of China. During the meeting with the company’s managing team, Hasanov was briefed about the activity of the company, and then he reviewed the equipment and other military products manufactured by the company.

Later on the day, the minister met with the Western Theater Commander of China, Colonel General Zhao Zongqi. Expressing satisfaction with the meeting with the Azerbaijani delegation, Zongqi stressed the importance of expanding bilateral military ties. Hasanov, in turn, stressed that friendly relations between Azerbaijan and China have deep roots.

As part of the visit to China, Hasanov also met with Xu Qiliang, vice chairman of China's Central Military Commission, who said China is willing to join hands with Azerbaijan to consolidate their friendship and strengthen cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Xu, who spoke highly of the military friendship between China and Azerbaijan, also said the militaries of the two countries should push forward further exchanges and cooperation, to contribute to the in-depth development of the bilateral relationship.

China recognized the independence of Azerbaijan on December 27, 1991 and a year late the diplomatic relations were established. More than 50 agreements were signed between the two countries so far, while over 100 companies with Chinese capital, participating in various projects, operate in Azerbaijan.

Besides cooperation in military sphere, the two countries have great potential in energy, transport, high technology and tourism.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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