NATO to boost cooperation with Azerbaijan

Robert Simmons, NATO's special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, told reporters in Baku that an aerodrome, which is being upgraded with U.S. help, could be used to send troops to Afghanistan.

"NATO considers that an aerodrome modernised to military standards in Azerbaijan will help NATO, especially in the deployment of troops to Afghanistan," Simmons said through a Russian translator.

"Azerbaijan's defence ministry is working with one of NATO's members and concrete work will start soon," said Simmons.

Russia and Iran closely watch Azerbaijan's relations with NATO. The Kremlin sees the expansion of NATO as a threat to Russian interests.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has denounced NATO's acceptance of members from Russia's old sphere of influence, such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria and the Baltic states.

Moscow's relations with neighbouring Georgia worsened after Tbilisi said it wanted to join NATO. Azerbaijan has not said it wants to join NATO but has sent troops to join NATO forces in Afghanistan and Kosovo.

Simmons met Azeri President Ilham Aliyev and officials from the defence and foreign ministries in Baku. Reuters