BAKU. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Head of the Partnership Directorate at NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) Rear Adm. Bulent Turan substantially discussed possible involvement of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in the alliance's mission in Iraq at a meeting in Baku.
Hasanov and Turan "discussed operational training, the organization of exercises [...] and interoperability of forces within the framework of cooperation programs between Azerbaijan and NATO," the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said.
The two also exchanged opinions on "prospects of the development of cooperation and Azerbaijan's possible contribution to the NATO mission in Iraq," it said.
Hasanov said partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO is multifaceted, and Baku attaches special significance to it.
Turan highly praised NATO-Azerbaijani relations and underscored the contribution Azerbaijani peacekeepers are making to international security in Afghanistan and their active involvement in the alliance's programs.
Azerbaijan is currently participating in NATO's missions in Afghanistan and South Sudan.