Azerbaijan, Italy discuss expanding defence cooperation

Azerbaijan's Defence Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, has met a delegation led by Admiral Giacinto Ottaviani, National Armaments Director at Italy's Ministry of Defence, to discuss strengthening military cooperation between the two countries.

According to Azerbaijan's Defence Ministry, the meeting took place on July 9 and focused on defence relations, military-technical cooperation and military education.

Hasanov highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan's strategic partnership with Italy, noting that bilateral ties continue to develop across a wide range of sectors, including defence and security.

The Azerbaijani defence chief praised the existing military cooperation between the two countries and stressed that relations with Italy hold special significance for Azerbaijan.

• EU discusses support for South Caucasus transport links with Armenia and Azerbaijan
• Azerbaijan summons Russian Ambassador over strike on SOCAR facility in Ukraine

Ottaviani thanked Azerbaijani officials for their hospitality and emphasised the value of reciprocal visits and the exchange of professional experience between the armed forces of both nations.

The Italian official expressed confidence that deeper military cooperation would contribute to strengthening the defence capabilities of both Azerbaijan and Italy.

The meeting was also attended by Italy's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Luca Di Gianfrancesco.

During the talks, the two sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, including cooperation in military affairs, defence technology and military education.

The discussions reflected the growing defence relationship between Baku and Rome, which have expanded cooperation in recent years alongside broader political and economic ties.

Copied