Colonel General Zakir Hasanov Leads Key Meeting on Azerbaijan’s Defense Strategy
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, on February 24, presided over the latest official meeting at the Ministry of Defense, as reported by Azerbaijani media, citing information from the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.
The meeting, attended by deputy ministers of defense, commanders of various troop types, heads of main departments, departments, and services, as well as commanders of Army Corps and formations stationed in liberated territories via video teleconference, commenced with a moment of silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and Shehids (martyrs) who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
The Minister of Defense addressed the participants, highlighting statements made by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, during his inauguration ceremony after re-election. The Defense Minister underscored the positive appraisal of the Azerbaijan Army in these statements and the significant responsibilities imposed for its continued development.
Colonel General Z. Hasanov emphasized the successful reforms undertaken in the Azerbaijan Army under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, particularly in the fields of military education, armament, provision, and other areas. He stressed the importance of sustaining these reforms in a staged manner.
The meeting delved into a detailed analysis of the current operational situation on the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border, the organization, and the conduct of troops’ service. Additionally, plans for joint exercises in 2024 involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and other countries were discussed, with an emphasis on their positive impact on experience exchange and the enhancement of military personnel’s knowledge and skills.
The Minister of Defense issued instructions on several key fronts, including the study of personal-psychological characteristics of young soldiers, their sensitive adaptation to military service, ensuring safety and health during service, and the departure process for those completing their military duty.
Colonel General Z. Hasanov highlighted the paramount importance of demining liberated territories, maintaining the operation of supply roads and communication lines in challenging mountainous areas, and adhering strictly to safety protocols.
The Minister concluded the meeting by laying out requirements for methodical educational and ideological work, intensifying moral-psychological support, and upholding military discipline. Relevant high-ranking officials were assigned tasks to prioritize strengthening combat training, enhancing individual professionalism among military personnel, and ensuring the qualitative fulfillment of duties in 2024.
