The event focused on the history, current state, and future prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Alliance, achievements of the “Science for Peace and Security” program, the country’s contributions to NATO peacekeeping operations, Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring Europe’s energy security, and other aspects of NATO-Azerbaijan collaboration.
The conference was attended by the Acting Head of the Military-Political Affairs Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anar Mutallimov, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Operations Burcu San, representatives of the academic community from various countries, analysts, and officials from Azerbaijan’s government agencies and educational institutions.
The day before, on November 25, a delegation led by Burcu San visited Azerbaijan. As part of the visit, a meeting was held with Colonel Elchin Abdullayev, Head of the International Military Cooperation Department of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense. The parties discussed the implementation of commitments under the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme, which serves as the legal framework for cooperation with NATO, as well as Azerbaijan’s participation in international security missions. Key topics included the training of Azerbaijani military units for integration into NATO’s Joint Armed Forces under the Operational Capabilities Concept and the contributions of Azerbaijani officers serving in NATO headquarters and structures.
The cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO has been ongoing for 30 years, since Azerbaijan joined the Partnership for Peace program in 1994. Over the years, the collaboration has encompassed key areas such as energy security, military capability development, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and the implementation of scientific projects under the “Science for Peace and Security” program.
