Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

The United States appreciates Azerbaijan's contribution to peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Evelyn Farkas said at a meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov in Baku on July 2.

The parties discussed prospects of cooperation between the two countries, regional developments as well as Azerbaijan's relations with NATO, the Foreign Ministry said.

Relations with NATO have a strategic importance for Azerbaijan, Mammadyarov said at the meeting.

Speaking about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the minister said withdrawal of Armenian troops from Azerbaijani territory may create good opportunities to resolve the conflict.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister regarded the conflict as a threat to stability and security in the region.

Earlier in the day, Farkas met with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Safar Abiyev. During the meeting Abiyev said Section 907 has negative impact not only on the military cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States but also on the solution of other issues.

A productive exchange of views on deepening defense and military relations based on the program of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States was held during the meeting.

Abiyev, noting the tense military and political situation in the region, cited some factors hindering the development of long-term cooperation between the two countries, particularly stressing the adverse impact of Section 907.

The meeting was also attended by US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar.

Section 907 of the United States Freedom Support Act bans any direct US aid to the Azerbaijani government.