Azernews.Az

NATO supports Azerbaijan's defense reforms, Secretary General Angers Fogh Rasmussen said on a visit to Baku Friday, according to the NATO website.

Speaking at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA), Rasmussen said, "I think my visit is timely...because NATO and Azerbaijan have recently taken important steps to deepen our partnership further. Azerbaijan has committed to a stronger, and longer contribution to the international peace effort in Afghanistan, which NATO is leading. And for our part, NATO is also looking at ways we can do more together."

Azerbaijan, according to the secretary general, plays an important role in NATO operations in Afghanistan, allowing transit via its territory.

"You have made a generous financial contribution to the training of Afghan security forces. These contributions are less visible than uniformed personnel -- but they are just as important. Azerbaijan has been, and continues to be, a solid, reliable partner for NATO on Afghanistan," Rasmussen said.

He said NATO is determined to work more closely with its partners, including in the South Caucasus region.

"We need partners who share our desire for security, and our values. In this respect, we encourage Azerbaijan to pursue democratic reforms in such areas as elections and free media," Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen said the NATO-Azerbaijan partnership gives Baku access to a unique security forum, a seat at the table where vital security concerns like Afghanistan can be addressed.

"Our partnership also supports Azerbaijan's reforms. Especially in defence reforms, where you are developing modern and accountable military forces that are relevant to today's security challenges, and able to play their full part in multinational operations," he said.

Much of NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation is focused on military-to-military activities, in such areas as training and education, Rasmussen said.

He said the parties are also deepening their cooperation on energy security and cyber-security.

Rasmussen said the region still faces great security challenges. Azerbaijan has a complicated neighborhood. And the most pressing regional challenge remains finding a solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, he said.

"Two things are clear," Rasmussen said. "First, that there is no military solution. And second, the only way forward is through dialogue, compromise, and cooperation."

Rasmussen said further that he is deeply concerned by the Azerbaijani decision to pardon Ramil Safarov -- an army officer who had been serving a life sentence in Hungary for killing an Armenian officer in Budapest in 2004, claiming it damages trust and does not contribute to the peace process.

"There must be no return to conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Tensions in this region must be reduced, and specific steps must be taken to promote regional cooperation and reconciliation," Rasmussen said.

He said Azerbaijan is an important partner for NATO and the alliance will continue to be an important partner for Azerbaijan.

"We have already achieved a great deal together. We have an opportunity to do much more," he underscored.

The NATO chief noted that he was glad to be at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, an important school of international affairs.

"I am delighted to be here, and I am particularly pleased to be here at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Because this academy has become much more than a training institute for Azerbaijan's diplomatic service... And it attracts high quality students from this country, from the region and beyond," Rasmussen said.

Rasmussen arrived in Azerbaijan from the Georgian capital Tbilisi where he was as part of his regional tour.

He is expected to meet with Azerbaijan's leaders.