Azernews.Az

By Rasana Gasimova

Azerbaijan and Great Britain intend to expand military cooperation.

The cooperation between the two countries was discussed during the meeting between Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and the newly appointed Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan James Sharp. The Ambassador also introduced the newly appointed military attaché of the Embassy, Colonel-Lieutenant Anthony Bramwell to the Minister.

The sides discussed aspects of regional and bilateral cooperation, security in the Caspian Sea and important strategic infrastructure facilities, the Ministry of Defense has stated.

During the meeting, Hasanov and Sharp exchanged views on cooperation in the field of defense, including combating terrorism and conducting peacekeeping operations.

The parties emphasized the great potential for military-technical cooperation between the two countries and the importance of expanding these capabilities. The necessity of implementing the agreements reached in the field of military education, continuing military English courses and increasing the number of students attending these courses was emphasized.

Sharp also stressed the importance of joint efforts in the fight against new challenges and threats to regional stability and security. He expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for its active participation in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan. The ambassador added that during his activity in Baku, he will make efforts to develop relations between Azerbaijan and Great Britain, particularly in the military sphere.

During the meeting, Hasanov touched on the military-political situation in the region. He particularly noted the continuation of policy of aggression by Armenia. The Minister emphasized that peace negotiations are deliberately delayed by official Yerevan.

In his turn, Sharp stressed that Great Britain respects and recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and supports peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. According to the British diplomat, peaceful settlement of the conflict "is also important in the context of the development and security of the South Caucasus."

Note that London hosted staff negotiations between the Defense Ministries of Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom February 17, 2018.

The sides signed "Military Cooperation Plan for 2018/2019 fiscal year between the Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan and the Defense Ministry of the United Kingdom.

The UK and Azerbaijan are also cooperating in education, trade, tourism, ICT, as well as other infrastructure and transit projects.

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