Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan and Croatia have discussed the issues of mutual interest during the Croatian delegation's visit to Baku.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov received visiting Chief of General Staff of Croatian Armed Forces, General Drago Lovric on May 7.

During the meeting, Hasanov said the cooperation between the two countries was established on the friendly relation, noting further development of these ties, Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.

Referring to the similarity in the current situation in South Caucasus and Balkans, Hasanov said the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the main threat to regional stability.

He also stressed the importance of achieving the solution of the conflict within the framework of international law.

The sides also exchanged views on the military-political situation and security issues in the regions, where the two countries are located.

Prior to the meeting with Azerbaijani Defense Minister,the Croatian delegation headed by Lovric was received by Colonel-General Nejmeddin Sadigov, First Deputy Defense Minister, Chief of General Staff of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Sadigov briefed the delegation about the history and the causes of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the fate of more than one million Azerbaijanis who have become refugees and IDPs.

He expressed confidence that the occupied territories of Azerbaijan will be liberated.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the military and technical cooperation between the two countries, as well as the issues related to regional security.

They also touched upon the field training of the infantry battalion of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under the NATO Operational Capabilities Concept started in Garaheybat Training Center on May 5.

The visit of the Croatian delegation will last until May 8.

Croatia recognized Azerbaijan's independence on 28 December 1991. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on 26 January 1995.