Azerbaijan, Russia Discuss Military Cooperation Prospects

Trend NZ ^ | 22 OCTOBER 2015

[nickcarraway]

Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov met with the military attaché of the Russian embassy, Colonel Vladimir Chernenko Oct. 22 due to the completion of his activity in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani defense ministry said.

The sides are pleased with the high level of a bilateral military and military-technical cooperation, cooperation in the field of military education. They stressed the importance of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement for the region.

The views on prospects of developing the bilateral relations were exchanged.

Moreover, the issues of including the modern combat equipment, weapons and other military equipment of Russia in the armament of the Azerbaijani army, as well as expanding the activity in this area on the basis of mutual understanding and an agreement between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

Such issues as holding of the joint military exercises, organizing of mutual visits, meetings, exchange of experience at the expert level, training of students and specialists in the Russian military schools were also discussed.

Hasanov thanked the military attache for the efforts in expanding the relations between the two countries during the activity in Azerbaijan and wished him success in his work.

While expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Chernenko said that he is leaving Azerbaijan with good impressions, remaining a faithful friend of Azerbaijan, people and the armed forces.

[nickcarraway]

Is Russia about to sell out their longtime Christian allies to Azerbaijan? Without Russia's help, Armenia can't defend itself against Azerbaijan.

[hinckley buzzard]

Russia shoring up its southern border regions. Azerbaijan is majority Shia Moslem.

[odds]

Republic of Azarbaijan is mainly Turkic speaking (that’s the key), quite similar to the province of Azarbaijan which is part of Iran.

Both “Azarbaijans” were part of Iran up until the creation of USSR.

Both Azarbaijans are Shi’ite moslems, as said. But they do Not belong to the same Shia school.

During the Soviet era, the current Republic of Azarbaijan was separated by the Soviets from Iran and became part of USSR.

However, due to linguistic association with Turkey, the Republic of Azarbaijan is heavily influenced by Islamic gov’t of Erdogan as well.

There are still many Armenian-Iranians in Iran; used to be many more. The potential threat to Armenia won’t be because of Iranian influence; more likely from Turkey.

I know it can sound convoluted. For now, the Russians are trying to find the middle ground & manage it.