Azerbaijan-NATO partnership in focus of Brussels

The NATO Partnership and Cooperative Security Committee meeting took place on 2 May in NATO headquarters in Brussels.

During the meeting, the Committee discussed the "Planning and Review Process" assessment document of Azerbaijan for 2017 within the "NATO + Azerbaijan" format.

The authorized representatives of the Ministry of Defense and other relevant structures of Azerbaijan attended the meeting, Azertac reported.

The scope of discussions covered defense reforms, cooperation with NATO and partner nations, implementation of goals and commitments, Azerbaijan-NATO joint plan on military education and training as well as activities carried out within the framework of the Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC), Azerbaijani peacekeepers’ contribution to "Resolute Support" mission in Afghanistan and other details.

Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO is carried out in the framework of the Partnership for Peace program.

The country also cooperates with NATO in Afghanistan -- the peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving there since November 20, 2002.  A

Furthermore, Azerbaijan allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku. In addition,

Azerbaijan has for many years participated in peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Kosovo.

Besides, NATO keeps the focus the issue of security of the oil and gas pipelines in the South Caucasus region that pass through the territory of Azerbaijan as well.