Armenia

Armenia and Greece Strengthen Defense Cooperation with Ministerial Meeting

On March 4, a significant official visit took place in the Republic of Armenia, as Nikolaos Dendias, the Minister of National Defence of the Hellenic Republic, accepted an invitation extended by Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, the Press Office of the Armenian Defense Ministry reported.

During the visit, Minister Papikyan and Minister Dendias engaged in a private discussion followed by a broader meeting involving extended delegations. They discussed the ongoing cooperation between Armenia and Greece in the defense sector, reviewed the progress made on agreements established during their December 2023 negotiations in Athens, and explored new avenues for collaboration.

An agreement was reached to bolster military-technical cooperation between the two nations, particularly following the ratification of the agreement on military-technical cooperation between their respective governments.

Subsequently, Minister Papikyan and Minister Dendias issued a joint statement to the press at the Ministry of Defence, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties in the defense sector.

As a symbolic gesture of friendship and remembrance, Minister Dendias visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial on the same day. He paid his respects to the victims by laying a wreath at the memorial and offering flowers at the Eternal Flame, commemorating the innocent lives lost during the Armenian Genocide.

Moreover, Minister Dendias planted a personalized spruce tree within the administrative complex of the Ministry of Defence, symbolizing the enduring bond between Armenia and Greece and their shared commitment to peace and cooperation.

Armenian Defense Minister Leads Delegation to Iran for Official Visit

On March 6, a delegation led by Papikyan commenced an official visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, signifying the ongoing diplomatic engagements in the region.

Following the ceremonial welcome, Minister Papikyan met with Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Gharayi Ashtiani, the Minister of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran. Discussions during the meeting centered on the current state of defense cooperation and explored avenues for future collaboration. Both ministers exchanged perspectives on international and regional matters, emphasizing their commitment to fostering lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region.

During the discussions, several agreements of mutual interest were reached, underscoring Armenia's and Iran's commitment to strengthening their bilateral relations.

During his official visit, Minister Papikyan also met with Major General Mohammad Bagheri, the Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces of Iran. The discussions focused on military cooperation and regional security dynamics, reflecting both nations' shared interests and concerns.

Additionally, Minister Papikyan seized the opportunity to meet with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during his visit. The discussions between Minister Papikyan and President Raisi revolved around enhancing Armenian-Iranian cooperation, particularly in the defense sector. Both sides exchanged perspectives on regional security issues, emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration in addressing shared challenges.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Pakistan Sign Final Protocol on Military Cooperation

On March 4, the Azerbaijan Defense Ministry’s International Military Cooperation Department hosted the "Azerbaijan-Pakistan 10th Working Group Level Meeting" between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Joint Staff of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Press Office of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported. During the meeting, a comprehensive exchange of views took place regarding the current state and prospects of military cooperation between the two countries. Discussions encompassed various aspects, including military education and science, operational planning, joint exercises, and other areas of mutual interest. Upon the conclusion of the meeting, both parties signed the final protocol, symbolizing the consensus reached during the discussions. Additionally, customary exchanges of gifts took place, further cementing the amicable relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan. A commemorative photo was also taken to mark the occasion.

On March 5, a significant encounter occurred as Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, hosted a delegation led by Lieutenant General Ahsan Gulrez, the Director General of the Joint Staff Headquarters of Pakistan, during their visit to Azerbaijan. The Pakistani delegation commenced their visit with a solemn tribute at the Alley of Shehids, honoring the memory of the martyrs who bravely sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan's independence and territorial integrity. They laid a wreath at the "Eternal Flame" memorial as a gesture of respect and solidarity. Colonel General Valiyev underscored the steadfast development of the friendly and fraternal ties between the two nations, emphasizing the robust nature of Azerbaijani-Pakistani relations and their strategic partnership. In the following discussions, the Chief of the General Staff highlighted the significance of trilateral joint military exercises involving Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Turkey. These exercises serve as invaluable platforms for exchanging experiences among the participating armies and contribute to enhancing servicemen's professionalism.

In response, Lieutenant General Gulrez emphasized the importance of such meetings in fostering closer ties and expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan.

The discussions concluded with both sides exploring potential avenues for further developing Azerbaijani-Pakistani military cooperation and addressing other matters of mutual interest. The meeting reaffirmed both nations' commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and fostering regional security and stability.

Azerbaijan and Qatar Discuss Military Cooperation in High-Level Meeting

On March 5, the delegation led by Agil Gurbanov, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued its visit to Qatar with significant engagements.

During the visit, Gurbanov met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of Qatar, Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah. The discussions centered on assessing the current state and exploring the prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Qatar in the military, military-technical fields, and other areas of mutual interest.

Simultaneously, on the same day, the 8th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX 2024) commenced in Doha, organized by the Qatar Armed Forces.

As part of their participation in DIMDEX 2024, the delegation led by Gurbanov toured the pavilions of Qatari company Barzan Holdings and its subsidiaries. Additionally, they met with the company's CEO, Abdullah Al-Khater, during which various issues of mutual interest were thoroughly discussed.

Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Conducts Diplomatic Visit to Turkey

On March 6, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, engaged in significant diplomatic activities during his official visit to Ankara, Turkey. Subsequently, a formal welcoming ceremony was held at the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey, where the Defense Ministers, accompanied by a guard of honor, exchanged greetings. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkey resonated, symbolizing the strong bonds between the two nations. Colonel General Z. Hasanov signed the "Book of Honor" by the protocol. During the meeting with Yaşar Güler, both sides expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation and pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors, including military cooperation. They acknowledged the positive influence of sincere relations between the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Turkey on military collaboration and regional stability.

Later in the day, the delegation led by Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Army General Metin Gürak, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Turkey. Both sides reiterated the significance of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations built on friendship and mutual trust, emphasizing the pivotal role of bilateral cooperation in maintaining regional stability. The meeting concluded with deliberations on future avenues for enhancing military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, along with discussions on various matters of mutual interest. 

On March 6, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held a meeting with Haluk Gorgun, the Chairman of the Defense Industry Committee of Turkey. The meeting, attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey Rashad Mammadov, focused on exploring opportunities for enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the military-technical sphere. Discussions also encompassed ongoing joint projects and various issues of mutual interest, reflecting the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral ties.

On March 8, the delegation led by Hasanov met with Selcuk Bayraktar, the Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Company, a prominent entity within Turkey's defense industrial complex. The meeting underscored the successful development of friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the military-technical domain and across other sectors. The parties discussed the potential expansion of current cooperation and explored avenues for future collaboration. Subsequently, an agreement on cooperation in joint research, development, and production was signed, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Local exercise

On March 9, the first bilateral command-staff exercise of the training year involved combined-arms formations of the Combined Arms Army. The exercise commenced with the withdrawal of alerted units, which engaged in practical activities and moved to various training areas at staggered intervals.

To mobilize troops with reserve personnel, reception points for personnel and equipment were established, facilitating the recruitment of reserve personnel with specialized skills. Personnel were equipped with weapons and provided necessary support following registration and medical examinations at the points.

The primary objective of the exercise was to covertly and swiftly elevate combined-arms units, as well as subordinate and support units, to heightened combat readiness levels amidst potential enemy radio-electronic interference. This readiness aimed to counter enemy sabotage, sudden actions, and preemptive strikes effectively.

Stationary and field control points assessed headquarters' activities, intervening as necessary to ensure the accuracy and consistency of reports reflecting real conditions.

Mechanized, tank, artillery, air defense  Air Force, and special forces units successfully executed tasks assigned to combined-arms units. Special forces units conducted visual surveillance, assessing imaginary enemy combat positions and critical facilities nearby. They carried out assaults on combat positions and a frontline command-control point of the imaginary enemy's defense.

Following capturing positions and key facilities, special forces units ambushed and neutralized imaginary enemy reserves approaching the area.

Subsequently, decisions made by commanders and headquarters regarding the situation prompted the start of the bilateral exercise in an online format at the Simulation Center of the Combined Arms Army's Training and Educational Center.

Upon conclusion, participating unit activities were analyzed, identifying shortcomings and providing instructions to address issues and apply lessons learned in future exercises.

Georgia

Georgia Hosts Multinational Training 'Trojan Footprint 24' with Special Operations Units

On March 4, Georgia hosted the multinational training "Trojan Footprint 24", which brought together various special operations units, including the Defense Forces Special Operations Unit. The official opening ceremony took place at the NATO-Georgia Joint Training and Evaluation Center (JTEC). Brigadier General Irakli Chichinadze, the Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces, Colonel Otar Berianidze from the Special Operations Forces Base, and Vice Colonel Errol Munir, Head of the Defense Cooperation Office of the US Embassy in Georgia, addressed the participants, extending their wishes for a successful training session.

"Trojan Footprint 24" is organized by the US-SOCEUR (Special Operations Command Europe) and conducted simultaneously in Romania, Greece, and Georgia. Special forces representatives from the USA, UK, Romania, Poland, and Spain are participating in the Georgian component of the training. Additionally, National Guard Territorial Defense reservists and members of volunteer organizations are also part of the exercise. The training encompasses land and naval components conducted in both eastern and western Georgia.

The primary goal of Trojan Footprint 24 is to strengthen interpersonal relationships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and enhance preparedness among the participating countries. Georgia's involvement in multinational training exercises like this one marks its commitment to enhancing self-determination and resilience capabilities. Moreover, it contributes to the country's defense capability and fosters compatibility with NATO member countries. This marks Georgia's third participation in such international exercises, underscoring its dedication to security cooperation and readiness enhancement.

Georgian Defense Minister Continues Diplomatic Engagements with Ambassadors

On the same day, the Georgian Minister of Defense conducted significant diplomatic engagements, the Press Office of the Defense Ministry reported. First, he held an introductory meeting with Zhou Qian, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Georgia. During the discussion, Irakli Chikovani expressed gratitude to the Chinese ambassador for steadfastly supporting Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also discussed China's recent decision to implement a visa-free regime and emphasized the importance of further enhancing cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, on the same day, the Minister of Defense met with Mariusz Maszkiewicz, the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Georgia, along with the Defense Attache. The discussions focused on the successful defense cooperation between Georgia and Poland, highlighting past achievements and plans. They addressed Poland's contributions to implementing initiatives outlined in the NATO-Georgia Essential Package (SNGP) and its involvement in the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM). The importance of cooperation in military education, joint participation in multinational exercises, and collaboration in the military-industrial sphere were also underscored.

On March 6, the Georgian Defense Minister continued his diplomatic engagements by meeting with Paweł Herczyński, the EU Ambassador. Irakli Chikovani hosted Herczyński at the Ministry of Defense, where they discussed the significance of the European Council's decision to grant Georgia candidate status. The Minister highlighted this decision as a result of Georgia's intensive efforts. They further explored prospects for deepening cooperation between the EU and Georgia across various formats.