Azerbaijan, Afghanistan discuss cooperation prospects

The delegation included officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and National Security, as well as Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation met ministers of mines and industry and transport, deputy interior and defense ministers, French and Turkish ambassadors, Kabul regional commander of the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and command officers of ISAF, senior NATO civilian representative and Azerbaijani soldiers serving within the ISAF.

The discussions focused on bilateral relationship, Azerbaijan's contribution to ensuring protection of peace and stability and reconstruction and development in Afghanistan.

They also exchanged views on education of Afghan national policemen, soldiers and officers in Azerbaijan, particularly officials of the Afghan Foreign Ministry at Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy, organizing short term and long term training courses, studying Azerbaijan's experience in mine clearance.

The discussions also focused on prevention of drug smuggling and other cooperation spheres.
It was noted during the meeting that Azerbaijan and Afghanistan support each-other at international level.

Afghan officials said they will support Azerbaijan's candidacy for a non-permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2012-2013.

They also thanked the Azerbaijan government, as the country's soldiers serve in Afghanistan in a hard situation to ensure protection of strategic facilities.

During the visit, Azimov became familiar with the Heydar Aliyev corner created in quarters of the Azerbaijani solders.

Azerbaijani ambassador to Pakistan, with concurrent accreditation to Afghanistan Eynulla Madatli was present in the meetings.


/AzerTAc/