Defence: Minister Crosetto on Official Visit in Azerbaijan

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Defence Minister Guido Crosetto flew to Azerbajan to hold institutional meetings focusing on bilateral relations and cooperation in the defence sector.

“We are determined to further extend our cooperation in all relevant sectors”, Minister Crosetto said. Then, he added: “Azerbaijan plays a crucial role as regards stability in Eurasia. A valuable  occasion to deepen cooperation opportunities in the defence sector, in particular with regard to industry and energy”.

In Baku, the minister met with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, to whom he had the opportunity to confirm the will to strengthen of the Italian Government to strengthen our already solid bilateral relations based on a strategic partnership.

During his official visit Minister Crosetto also met with his counterpart, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, with whom he discussed themes of common interest such as cooperation in the defence and training sector and strengthening the relations between the Armed Forces of the two countries.

Minister Crosetto also met with his Turkish colleague, Yaşav Güler. Talks focused on a number of themes, including stability in the Enlarged Mediterranean. The minister shared their willingness to work together to promote dialogue and avoid further escalations in areas of crisis, in particular the Middle East. 

In the same context, Crosetto also met with Somalia Defence Minister Mohamed Nur. Relevant themes included the deep links and cooperation between the two countries, supporting the Somali Armed Forces in countering terrorism as well as regional security and stability.

A further meeting was held with the Defence Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Colonel General Ruslan Zhaksylykov: an opportunity to increase bilateral relations and deepen new sectors of cooperation in the defence sector.

Today’s visit was an opportunity to strengthen Italy’s relations with international partners and discuss cooperation including in the industrial sector and common security.

The Defence Minister also attended the inauguration ceremony of the International defence Exhibition (ADEX).