Azerbaijan, Italy defence ministers discuss expanding military cooperation

Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov held talks with Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto during an official visit to Italy, with the two sides discussing further cooperation in the military, military-technical and military education spheres.

Azerbaijan’s defence ministry said the talks, attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov, also covered bilateral ties based on strategic partnership and prospects for closer cooperation.

Crosetto described Azerbaijan as a primary interlocutor for Italy and a strategic partner in the energy sector. He also said he had expressed solidarity with Baku and condemned the recent Iranian drone attack on Azerbaijan, while praising Azerbaijan’s restraint in handling tensions.

Italy’s defence ministry said the two sides reaffirmed the growing importance of bilateral cooperation, particularly in defence, including education and training activities between their armed forces and cooperation in the industry sector. It also stressed the importance of preserving stability in the Middle East and the South Caucasus.