Washington hosts session on NATO-Azerbaijan relations

Baku, July 3 (AzerTAc). U.S.-based the Atlantic Council has hosted a public strategy session marking the 20th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s joining NATO Partnership for Peace program. Called “NATO in the Caucasus: The Case of Azerbaijan”, the event brought together a prominent line-up of experts and policymakers with interest in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus to jump-start a discussion on the potential alternatives that may bring Azerbaijan closer to the transatlantic community. President and CEO of the Atlantic Council Frederick Kempe made opening remarks. He described official Baku as a partner of NATO. Head of the Azerbaijani Mission to NATO, Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim provided an insight into NATO-Azerbaijan relations over the past 20 years. Mr. Ibrahim referred to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who, during his recent visit to Brussels, described the relations between the country and the organization as “strategic” ones. He said Azerbaijan had turned into a country contributing to the activities of NATO from a country which was receiving assistance from the organization. U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Eric Rubin hailed the results of Azerbaijan’s participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program. He also praised Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation. Visiting Researcher at the Georgetown University Brenda Shaffer highlighted security cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, and praised the country`s contribution to ensuring energy security of Europe. Yusif Babanly Special Correspondent in Washington AzerTAc