Armenia

Armenia and Italy Strengthen Defense Ties with Signed Annual Cooperation Program

From March 19 to 20, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the Armenia-Italy defense consultations took place in Rome, featuring a delegation led by Levon Ayvazyan, the Head of the Defence Policy and International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia. Throughout the discussions, Ayvazyan introduced the security situation surrounding Armenia and ongoing reforms within the Armed Forces. Participating from the Italian side were Major General Enrico Barduani, the Deputy Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Defence of Italy and Defence Policy Director, along with Colonel Mattia Zuzzi, the Head of the International Cooperation Branch of the Italian General Staff. 

The consultations focused on assessing the current status of Armenia-Italy defense cooperation and exploring prospects for further development. Ayvazyan emphasized that the talks resulted in the signing of the annual program of Armenia-Italy military cooperation, marking a significant step forward. Additionally, several agreements were reached during the discussions.

Female Representation Strengthens in Armenia's Border Forces

On March 25, during a presentation to the specialized parliamentary committee on the results of the government's program (2021-2026) implementation in 2023, Armen Abazyan, the Director of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, reported that the number of servicewomen in the NSS's Border Troops increased by approximately 9 percent last year. 

Abazyan stated, "Compared to 2022, the number of female servicepersons in the Border Troops has increased by about 9 percent, and compared to 2021—by about 20 percent."

Additionally, in 2023, efforts to ensure the cybersecurity of official websites of state bodies, electronic platforms, and other information systems continued. This included coordinating the process of addressing cyber incidents within these systems. Abazyan mentioned that over 2 million cyberattack attempts were prevented yearly.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan Hosts NATO Secretary General, Highlights Defense Cooperation

On March 17, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan engaged in both one-on-one and expanded meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. Subsequently, President Aliyev and Secretary General Stoltenberg addressed the media in statements.

President Aliyev said, "The NATO-Azerbaijan partnership, spanning over three decades, reflects our commitment to cooperation. Azerbaijan's active participation in peacekeeping missions, notably in Kosovo and Afghanistan, underscores our dedication to shared objectives. The recent withdrawal of our forces from Afghanistan symbolizes our resolve in this regard. Significant reforms within our Armed Forces have yielded commendable results, enhancing our defense capabilities and professionalism."

"The resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through the Second Karabakh War and subsequent anti-terror operations has restored Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty. This milestone underscores the efficacy of military-political means in resolving protracted conflicts, with our actions grounded in the UN Charter's right to self-defense," he said. 

"Presently, Azerbaijan is engaged in constructive peace negotiations with Armenia, marking a pivotal shift towards regional stability. The progress achieved through seven rounds of discussions and recent high-level meetings signals a promising trajectory towards lasting peace in the South Caucasus," the Azerbaijani leader noted.

"Our discussion also touched upon energy security, with Azerbaijan emerging as a reliable gas supplier to NATO member states. The expansion of our partnerships in this domain underscores our role as a pivotal player in European energy security," Aliyev concluded.

Secretary General Stoltenberg emphasized: "It's a pleasure to be in Baku, marking my inaugural visit to Azerbaijan as NATO Secretary General. My previous visits in the 1990s as Norway's Minister of Energy left a lasting impression of Azerbaijan's vibrant energy sector. Azerbaijan's evolving ties with NATO member states underscore its growing significance in ensuring energy security for Europe. Our longstanding partnership, manifested through Azerbaijan's contributions to NATO missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, reflects our shared commitment to regional stability."

"The ongoing peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan offer a historic opportunity for enduring peace. Azerbaijan's proactive stance in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is commendable and underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes," he added.

"Furthermore, Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression is vital. The humanitarian aid provided to Ukraine is invaluable in addressing the humanitarian crisis," the secretary-general noted.

During the meeting on March 18, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, convened with a delegation led by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who was on an official visit to Azerbaijan. The gathering commenced with an official welcoming ceremony at the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry, during which J. Stoltenberg inspected the guard of honor and followed protocol by signing the "Book of Honor."

Colonel General Z. Hasanov warmly received the delegation, expressing his satisfaction with their presence in Azerbaijan. He extended gratitude to NATO for its steadfast support of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity throughout the 30-year occupation and the ongoing period. Detailed briefings were provided to the delegation on the reforms underway in the Azerbaijan Army, in alignment with the directives of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Discussions also covered mine clearance, restoration, construction efforts in the liberated territories, and the prevailing situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border.

The Minister of Defense underscored the achievements in cooperation with NATO, underscoring the significance of further strengthening mutual relations. In response, the Secretary-General conveyed appreciation for the hospitality extended and lauded the professionalism displayed by the Azerbaijan Army personnel in peacekeeping missions and other collaborative endeavors with NATO. He stressed the constructive impact of the close partnership between the Azerbaijan Army and the Turkish Armed Forces on Azerbaijan-NATO relations.

Concluding the discussions, attention was directed toward exploring prospects for development in cybersecurity, mine clearance, and other areas of bilateral military cooperation. Additionally, exchanges on regional security matters and other shared interests took place, reflecting the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between Azerbaijan and NATO.

Azerbaijani Contingent Joins Pakistan Day Celebrations in Islamabad

On March 23, Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, commemorated Pakistan Day with a military parade. The event saw the participation of Pakistani political and military leaders, representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Military Attaché Office, and other esteemed guests.

A notable presence at the parade was Azerbaijan, represented by a contingent of servicemen from the Azerbaijan Army and the Military Orchestra band of the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev.

Georgia

Georgian Defense Minister Discusses Cooperation Plans with Ambassadors

On March 19, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani convened an introductory meeting with Ambassador Anne Toft Sørensen of the Kingdom of Denmark, accompanied by Defense Attache Colonel Jens Eric Hiort. Chikovani expressed gratitude to the Danish delegation for their practical assistance in enhancing Georgia's defense capabilities. Discussions ensued regarding the directions and prospects outlined in the 4-year cooperation plan between Georgian and Danish defense agencies, with particular attention given to areas of collaboration under the NATO-Georgia Essential Package (SNGP).

On March 22, Minister Chikovani held another introductory meeting with Ambassador Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed Taher Al Nuaimi of the United Arab Emirates in Georgia. They discussed the burgeoning cooperation between the two nations across various domains, reflecting on the escalating dynamics of their partnership.

On the same day, Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani held a meeting with Ambassador Vesselin Valkanov, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria. Discussions during the meeting centered around the productive defense cooperation between Georgia and Bulgaria and plans in this regard. Minister Chikovani expressed gratitude to the Bulgarian delegation for their support within the NATO-Georgia essential package. Special attention was given to enhancing cooperation in military education and exploring opportunities for joint participation in international training initiatives. Also present at the meeting was Bulgarian Defense Attache, Colonel Hristo Nochev.

Latvian Parliament Delegation Visits Georgia, Strengthening Defense Cooperation

On March 20, a delegation from the Latvian Parliament (SAIMA) Cooperation Group with the Parliament of Georgia visited Georgia. Grigol Giorgadze, the Deputy Minister of Defense, received the Latvian representatives, who expressed gratitude for Latvia's steadfast cooperation in defense matters and tangible assistance on the path towards Euro-Atlantic aspirations. The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between Georgia and the Republic of Latvia, rooted in shared values and interests.

The gathering, which took place at the Ministry of Defense of Georgia, saw the attendance of Brigade General Irakli Chichinadze, the Deputy Chief of Defense Forces, along with heads of various structural units of the Ministry of Defense and General Staff. These officials provided insights to the Latvian guests on the ongoing reforms within Georgia's defense system, highlighting areas of transformation and modernization.

NATO and EU Multinational Medical Coordination Center Director Visits Georgia, Enhances Military Medical Cooperation

On March 20, Brigade General Dr. Stefan Kowitz, the director of the NATO and EU Multinational Medical Coordination Center (MMCC-E), paid a visit to Georgia. He was hosted by Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, the head of the Defense Forces of Georgia, at the General Headquarters. During their bilateral meeting, Georgian and German generals deliberated on enhancing cooperation in the military medical domain between Georgia and the Multinational Medical Coordination Center. In recognition of Brigadier General Stefan Kovitz's exceptional contributions to the development of the NATO-Georgia Essential Package (SNGP) military medical capabilities initiative, the Commander of the Defense Forces awarded him the medal "Worthy Partner." MMCC-E has spearheaded the initiative since 2021, focusing on bolstering NATO-Georgia's military-medical capabilities.

Simultaneously, on the same day, Major General Norbert Wagner visited the Georgian Defense Forces during a working visit from the NATO Joint Forces Training Center (JFTC). General Wagner discussed ongoing cooperation with Major General Giorgi Matiashvili and emphasized the significance of joint training endeavors. They acknowledged the increasing capabilities of the Georgian Defense Forces and their interoperability with NATO through collaboration with JFTC. Major-General Giorgi Matiashvili expressed gratitude to General Norbert Wagner for his fruitful cooperation and awarded him the medal "Worthy Partner" for his role in advancing military cooperation.

In addition to these visits, Georgia welcomed the heads of the German Armed Forces Combat Training Center (GACTC), the Finnish Defense Forces International Center (FINCENT), and the Swedish Armed Forces International Center (SWEDINT). These four training centers closely collaborate with JTEC (Joint Training and Evaluation Center). During the working visit, an extensive exchange of experiences took place, with the heads of the training centers in Krtsanis familiarizing themselves with JTEC's capabilities on-site and observing field trainings at training bases.