NATO special representative discusses partnership and regional security issues in Baku

The development of the partnership between NATO and Azerbaijan, as well as current issues of regional security, were discussed at meetings held in Baku by NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Kevin Hamilton with Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev and Deputy Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan Araz Azimov and Elnur Mammadov.

As reported on the website of the North Atlantic Alliance, the ambassador also provided updated information on preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.

Hamilton stressed the importance of the South Caucasus region and Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable NATO partner. He welcomed further steps in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process as a key factor for regional stability, recognizing the pragmatic and constructive approach of both sides.

The special representative particularly noted Azerbaijan’s long-standing contribution to the Alliance’s missions and operations led by NATO and pointed to ongoing work to finalize the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) between NATO and Azerbaijan. He also welcomed Azerbaijan’s contribution to Europe’s energy security as well as the support Azerbaijan provides to Ukraine.

As noted on the NATO website, the Alliance’s partnership with Azerbaijan covers both political dialogue and practical cooperation in a range of areas, including military interoperability, defense planning and education, and countering hybrid threats.

During his visit, the special representative also met with Azerbaijani experts in foreign policy and security as well as representatives of academic circles.