Alexander Vinnikov: Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation covers broad range of areas

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, which began with the participation of a few Azerbaijani officers in alliance events, has now evolved into a stable partnership encompassing a wide array of fields, head of NATO Liaison Office in Tbilisi Alexander Vinnikov said speaking at ADA University.

According to Report, he recalled that Azerbaijan's partnership with NATO began in 1994, following Heydar Aliyev's visit to NATO headquarters and the signing of the "Partnership for Peace" framework document. "Last year we celebrated the 30th anniversary of that event with a ceremony in Baku. It marked a turning point that launched a multifaceted cooperation," Vinnikov noted.

According to him, the interaction spans key sectors—from defense planning to scientific collaboration.

"Azerbaijan follows NATO's recommendations in building its defense structures, participates in peacekeeping missions, and is active in the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), which supports the modernization of institutions such as the Armed Forces Military College and, more recently, the Higher Military School," he added.

Vinnikov also highlighted Azerbaijan's role in NATO's humanitarian initiatives: "The country helps eliminate the consequences of natural disasters by providing firefighting aircraft and helicopters to allies and partners. For 30 years, Azerbaijan has participated in the Science for Peace and Security program, jointly implementing projects with NATO member states in areas such as cybersecurity and counterterrorism."

He further noted NATO's close cooperation with Azerbaijan's Mine Action Agency (ANAMA): "For many years, this partnership has supported the disposal of unexploded ordnance and the removal of leftover Soviet-era rocket fuel," Vinnikov concluded.