Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan and Romania will discuss the prospects of military-technical cooperation between the two countries.

The negotiations will be held on August 27-28 as part of Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov's official visit to Romania.

Hasanov's visit will take place at the invitation of his Romanian counterpart Mircea Dusha, the ministry reoprted.

The sides will also discuss issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan and Romania have a long history of relations dating back to the 15th century.

Romania officially recognized Azerbaijan's independence on December 11, 1991. The two countries established diplomatic relations on June 19, 1992. The countries have established embassies in their respective capitals.

While the two share good cooperation in multiple areas, the main focus has been on trade and energy links, with trade delegations and frequent talks regarding the further development of such ties and an increase in bilateral trade since trade originating from Azerbaijan approximately five times more than ($161 million) of those from Romania ($31.83 million).

Romania also has been a strong advocate of Azerbaijan's future membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), pointing out the strategic importance of the country for trade and shipping, particularly with a view towards Afghanistan.