Compiled and edited by the NATO Contact Point Embassy (NATO CPE) in Azerbaijan
–February2014 –
INTHIS EDITION:
- N A T O – A z e r b a i j a n
- NATO experts consult Azerbaijani military officers in Baku
- AZERBAIJANI DEFENSE MINISTER, COLONEL-GENERAL ZAKIR HASANOV VISITED THE NATO HEADQUARTERS
- P U B L I C D I P L O M A C Y
-NISA winter session opens in Baku
- Ambassador of Romania presented a speech at NISA Winter Session
- R E G I O N
-NATO Secretary General praises Georgia’s reform efforts
-NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGES GEORGIA'S PROGRESS IN DEFENCE REFORMS
- n a t o H Q
-NATO Secretary General and Moldovan Foreign Minister discuss stepping up cooperation
-NATO-UKRAINE COMMISSION STRESSES CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT
N A T O – A z e r b a i j a n
NATO experts consult Azerbaijani military officers in Baku
A consultation meeting is being held in Baku in connection with the preparation for a NATO training session on the assessment of the second level of an Operational Capabilities Concept battalion that will be completed on Feb.13, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry said on Feb.12.
During the meeting, NATO military experts are giving consultative support to officers of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces divisions that will participate in the combat training sessions in accordance with NATO standards.
At the beginning of the meeting, a briefing by NATO experts and officers of Azerbaijani Armed Forces was held and following this, participants of the event divided into working groups and held consultations on the issues of combat training.
Source: Trend Agency
Date: February12, 2014
Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov visited the NATO Headquarters
Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov visited the NATO Headquarters to attend the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers with non-NATO ISAF Contributing Nations on Feb. 27, Azerbaijan's mission to NATO said.
The meeting discussed the current status of ISAF operation, transition process, progress of transfer of security responsibilities to Afghan National Security Forces, current political situation in Afghanistan and the necessary legal framework for launching the Resolute Support Mission, according to the representative office.
Speaking at the meeting, Zakir Hasanov highlighted Azerbaijan's ongoing support to Afghanistan and reaffirmed the contribution of Azerbaijan to the post 2014 Resolute Support Mission.
Taking the opportunity of his visit to Brussels, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov met with Georgia's Defense Minister Irakli Alasania, Latvia's Defense Minister Raimonds Vejonis and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Philip Breedlove and discussed with them the issues of mutual interest.
Source: Trend Agency
Date: February 27, 2014
P U B L I C D I P L O M A C Y
NISA winter session opens in Baku
The opening of the winter session of NATO International School of Azerbaijan (NISA) has been held in Baku.
The session was attended by Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, NATO coordinator in Azerbaijan, Romanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Daniel Cristian Ciobanu and representatives of several diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan.
The session will focus on the prospects of Eastern Partnership Programs after the Vilnius Summit. The participants will discuss the history and current geopolitical situation of the region and the EU policy. The session will last till February 28.
Source: APA
Date: February24, 2014
Ambassador of Romania presented a speech at NISA Winter Session
On February 27, 2014 Ambassador of Romania to Azerbaijan H.E. Mr. Daniel Cristian Ciobanu presented a speech within the panel „The role of NATO and perspectives of Euro-Atlantic integration” at NISA Winter Session.
The other panelists wereMr. William Lahue, NATO Liaison Officer for South Caucasus, and Professor Nursin Güney, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations of Yildiz Technical University.
The Ambassador of Romania made an overview of the current stage and perspectives of NATO-Azerbaijan relations. It was underlined that strengthening of political and economic cooperation in the Black Sea - Caspian Sea area presents a high interest for Romania and for the entire Euro-Atlantic community.
Source: NATO CPE in Azerbaijan
Date: February27, 2014
R E G I O N
NATO SECRETARY GENERAL PRAISES GEORGIA’S REFORM EFFORTS
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili visited NATO Headquarters on Wednesday (5. February) for the first meeting of the NATO-Georgia Commission this year.
The NATO Secretary General, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, thanked Georgia for the outstanding role in NATO operations and praised Georgia’s efforts in implementing important reforms. “Georgia is a strong and committed NATO partner. You play an outstanding role in our operations. You are implementing important reforms. And today we see a more mature democracy in your country, after free and fair presidential elections last year”, the Secretary General said.
Georgia is the largest non-NATO contributor to ISAF. The Georgian Government has pledged financial support and committed to contribute to the Alliance’s mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan forces after 2014.
The Secretary General stressed that the priority now is to continue implementing reforms across all areas, including the defence sector, the rule of law, and local government.
“We have noted the recent decision to temporarily extend the so-called border zone of Abkhazia further into Georgian territory without the Georgian government’s consent. I have to say we are very concerned about that decision. We remain firmly committed to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, and we call on Russia to implement all of its obligations with regards to Georgia”, the Secretary General said. “As we have made clear, the building of fences and other obstacles is unacceptable and it is contrary to international law and Russia’s own commitments. It hampers the free movement and livelihood of the population and it should be reversed. The 21st century is for bridge building not fence building.”
The Secretary General added: “Prime Minister, we stand by our commitments. At the Bucharest Summit in 2008 we decided that Georgia will become a NATO member, provided you meet the necessary requirements. That decision still stands”.
Mr. Fogh Rasmussen said that there is still work to be done for integration in the Euro-Atlantic community. “But you have moved much closer to NATO. And we will continue to work together with you to help achieve our common goals”, he said.
Georgia has also announced that it will contribute to the NATO-Response Force in 2015.
Source:
Date: February 5, 2014
NATO MILITARY COMMITTEE ACKNOWLEDGES GEORGIA'S PROGRESS IN DEFENCE REFORMS
The Military Committee, NATO's highest military authority, conducted its first ever visit to Georgia on 11-12 February 2014, to get a first-hand impression of Georgia's ambitious defence reforms and to commend its substantial contribution to NATO-led operations and missions. Heading the NATO delegation, General Knud Bartels, Chairman of the Military Committee, acknowledged the progress made by Georgia in transforming its Armed Forces and emphasised: "The NATO Military Committee strongly supports these reforms and looks forward to further strengthening military cooperation with Georgia, both in terms of operational engagements and interoperability, in order to develop the beneficial partnership we have built throughout the years."
At the invitation of Georgia's Ministry of Defence, Military Representatives of the 28 NATO member countries held their first Military Committee meeting with Georgia in its capital, Tbilisi, to discuss Georgia's strong contribution to NATO operations and its progress in defence reforms. "The fact that we are here today is a clear sign of NATO's support for the efforts undertaken by Georgia," commented General Bartels. Honouring the fallen Georgians in NATO-led operations, representatives of the Military Committee expressed NATO's deep appreciation for Georgia's contribution to the Euro-Atlantic security. "Georgian military personnel continue to stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for peace whilst endeavouring to prevent crisis, manage conflicts and stabilize post-conflicts situations," stated General Bartels during the wreath laying ceremony at Heroes Square in Tbilisi.
Meeting the President and the Prime Minister of Georgia ahead of the Military Committee session, the General described NATO-Georgia military cooperation as constructive, pragmatic and exemplary, stressing: "Georgia is the largest non-NATO contributor to ISAF. It has pledged to support the NATO-led mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan National Security Forces after 2014, and to participate in the NATO-Response Force in 2015. This dynamism in terms of military engagements is a significant demonstration of Georgia's commitment to NATO and we look forward to enhancing military cooperation after 2014."
The Chairman also discussed Georgia's significant progress in defence reforms with the Defence Minister and the Chief of General Staff of the Georgian Armed Forces, emphasising: "NATO stands side-by-side with Georgia on its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We are committed to assisting your country strengthen defence capabilities, with the aim of creating a highly capable, agile, modern and professional armed forces that are fully interoperable with NATO."
The Military Committee meeting in Permanent Session with Georgia allowed participants to exchange views on prospects of NATO-Georgia military cooperation. Chairing the discussions, General Bartels reaffirmed the importance of this visit as an expression of NATO's deep military ties with Georgia and stated: "The Military Committee in Georgia format as well as the Military Committee with Georgia Work Plan remain highly useful tools to further develop the military cooperation."
The visit concluded with a briefing by General Bartels addressing the students and faculty of the Georgian National Defence Academy on the topic ‘NATO Ready: Alliance Defence and Security in 21st Century’. General Bartels was impressed by the students’ level of knowledge and the high quality of the challenging questions he received. "It shows that not only is the defence establishment reforming but perhaps most importantly the transformation is reflected in the highest military academic institution which makes me confident that the transformation is comprehensive, solid and irreversible."
Source:
Date: February 12, 2014
N A T O H Q
NATO Secretary General and Moldovan Foreign Minister discuss stepping up cooperation
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen welcomed Moldova’s commitment to increased political dialogue and practical cooperation with the Alliance in talks with Moldova’s Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman on Monday (10 February 2014). The Secretary General congratulated the minister on the recent initialing of an Association Agreement with the European Union at the Vilnius summit, which shows Moldova is on the right track to meetings its European integration objectives. He expressed strong appreciation for Moldova’s upcoming deployment to the NATO-led KFOR mission, which demonstrates that Moldova wishes to be a security provider in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Mr. Fogh Rasmussen urged Moldova to continue its defence and security sector reform programme and reiterated the Alliance’s commitment to build closer relations. He mentioned the modernisation of Moldova’s Military Academy, the efforts to strengthen transparency in the defence sector, as well as the destruction of pesticides and dangerous chemicals as concrete and beneficial results of the cooperation between NATO and Moldova.
The NATO Secretary General made clear that Allies understand and respect the importance of Moldova’s constitutional neutrality, stressing that NATO has excellent relations with many neutral countries. He underlined that NATO will continue to support Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Source:
Date: February 10, 2014
NATO-Ukraine Commission stresses continued engagement
A meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) on Thursday (27 February 2014) stressed the commitment of its members to the values of democracy and the rule of law.The meeting was a timely opportunity for Allies to discuss the momentous events in Ukraine.
“NATO has a long-standing partnership with Ukraine. Today we made clear that NATO stands ready to support democratic development, defence reforms, military cooperation and democratic control over the security sector,” said NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen.
He stressed that “we wish to continue our engagement and confirm our support to Ukraine on the path of democratic and inclusive reforms”. The Secretary General highlighted defence reform and military cooperation as key priorities, offering NATO’s continued support to Ukraine as it strengthens democratic control over the defence sector. The Secretary General expressed concern over recent developments in Ukraine’s Crimea region.
“This morning’s action by an armed group is dangerous and irresponsible. I urge Russia not to take any action that could escalate tension or create misunderstanding. I urge the new Ukrainian leadership to continue its efforts to establish an inclusive political process that reflects the democratic aspirations of the entire Ukrainian people. And I urge all parties to step back from confrontation, refrain from provocative actions and return to the path of dialogue. There is a need for all concerned to take a responsible stance and to work for stability,“ he said.
The Ukrainian delegation to the NUC meeting was led by First Deputy Minister of Defence Oleksandr Oliynyk. The NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) was established in 1997 and provides a forum for consultation between the Allies and Ukraine on security issues of common concern.
Source:
Date: February 27, 2014
------
This Newsletter is compiled from the news posted on the official webpages of NATO and affiliate Institutions, as well as of the Azerbaijani institutions, being edited by NATO Contact Point Embassy (CPE) in Azerbaijan. The news does not express necessarily the official positions of NATO or Azerbaijan.
Within 2013-2014 years, the Embassy of Romania fulfills its thirdNATO CPE mandate in Azerbaijan.
Contact address: Embassy of Romania, 125A Akad. Hasan Aliyev Av., Baku, Azerbaijan, Tel: +99412/4650924, E-mail: .
1