Minister: Latvia ready to take part in demining in Azerbaijan

On April 26, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, received a delegation led by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia Artis Pabriks, paying an official visit to Azerbaijan, Report informs, citing the Ministry of Defense.

The delegation first visited the graves of the national leader Heydar Aliyev and prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor and laid wreaths and flowers. The guests also visited the Alley of Shehids, and laid wreaths and flowers at the graves of Shehids (Martyrs), who sacrificed their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Then an official welcoming ceremony was held at the Defense Ministry. After the Latvian Defense Minister passed along the guard of honor, the national anthems of both countries were performed. A. Pabriks signed the Book of Honor.

Colonel-General Z. Hasanov welcomed the delegation and said he was pleased to see them in Azerbaijan. The Minister informed the guests about the work done in the liberated territories after the victory in the Patriotic War under the command of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev.

The Defense Minister stressed that military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Latvia is carried out both on various NATO programs and bilateral principles, based on friendly relations and constantly developing relations.

Expressing gratitude for the sincere reception, Mr. Pabriks noted that relations between the countries are based on friendly relations, and Latvia is an important partner of Azerbaijan in European security organizations, especially within NATO. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted the readiness of Latvian specialists to take part in the process of clearing the liberated territories of mines and unexploded ordnance.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the expansion of military relations between Azerbaijan and Latvia and exchanged views on the military-political situation in the region, security issues, as well as prospects for the development of cooperation.

In the end, the parties signed an "Agreement on Defense Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Latvia".