Azerbaijan and Slovakia Forge Strategic Military Ties

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, hosted a delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Slovak Republic, Robert Kaliňák, during an official visit to Azerbaijan.

The delegation commenced their visit with a solemn ceremony at the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs), paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity. A wreath was laid in front of the Eternal Flame memorial, underscoring the shared commitment to honoring the sacrifices made.

Following the visit to the memorial, an official welcoming ceremony took place at the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Slovak Defense Minister, Robert Kaliňák, passed along the guard of honor, accompanied by the performance of the national anthems of both countries by the military orchestra. As a symbolic gesture, the guest signed the “Book of Honor,” signifying the strengthening ties between the two nations.

Colonel General Z. Hasanov expressed his satisfaction at welcoming the distinguished guests to Azerbaijan, taking the opportunity to brief them on the ongoing demining and reconstruction efforts in the recently liberated territories. The Azerbaijan Defense Minister highlighted the significant progress achieved under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev during the Patriotic War.

Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, both ministers discussed avenues for collaboration in military-technical, military educational, and other relevant fields. The mutual exchange of experiences was underscored as crucial for fostering stronger ties between Azerbaijan and Slovakia.

In response, Robert Kaliňák conveyed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality, extending congratulations to his Azerbaijani counterpart on the successful restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Slovak Defense Minister recognized the Azerbaijan Army as one of the strongest in the region, expressing the need for a comprehensive exchange of experiences and the study of modern combat operations. Such visits were acknowledged as pivotal in enhancing bilateral relations.

The meeting concluded with a productive exchange of views on various military-related issues of mutual interest, marking a significant step towards further collaboration between Azerbaijan and Slovakia in the defense sector.