Armenia

Armenian Defense Minister Meets Belgian Ambassador to Discuss Cooperation

On May 23, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed Eric de Muynck, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to the Republic of Armenia. 

Minister Papikyan extended congratulations to Ambassador de Muynck on the commencement of his mission in Armenia and wished him success in fulfilling his duties.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the prospects of cooperation between the defense ministries of Armenia and Belgium. The participants also addressed regional security matters and ongoing reforms within the Armenian Armed Forces.

Ministry of Defense Condemns Slanderous Allegations Against Officers

On May 24, the Ministry of Defense issued a statement condemning certain "media" outlets and individuals who, despite lacking any involvement in the defense of the homeland, made slanderous allegations regarding the conferment of the military rank of Major General to an individual.

The Ministry strongly urged against targeting the management staff of the Armed Forces and cautioned against the dissemination of baseless accusations and slanderous content aimed at officers who have dedicated decades of service to the homeland.

Furthermore, the Ministry affirmed its commitment to investigating all such publications and assured that necessary legal measures would be taken to protect the honor and dignity of officers who are unlawfully targeted. These measures would involve implementing appropriate legal procedures to address any infringements on the officers' rights.

Armenian Ministry of Defence Denounces False Reports on Tavush Withdrawal

On May 25, the Ministry clarified that a post circulating on the Internet titled "Military officers refuse to obey Tavush's withdrawal order" is entirely false and fabricated, bearing no semblance to reality.

The Ministry of Defence emphatically calls for refraining from disseminating fabricated narratives about the Armed Forces, the Head of the Armed Forces, and military personnel. It urges individuals to rely solely on official reports and statements issued by the Ministry for accurate information.

Azerbaijan

Local and international exercises

On May 20, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced the successful conclusion of live-fire tactical exercises involving artillery units, as per the Land Forces training plan for 2024. Units mobilized from permanent deployment points to assembly areas effectively executed tasks including taking firing positions, preparing combat devices, detecting and neutralizing simulated enemy targets with precision fire, and other assigned duties. The exercise prioritized enhancing military personnel's knowledge and capabilities, improving command staff's management skills of artillery units, and fostering interoperability with other troop types during combat operations.

On May 21, during the EFES - 2024 multinational exercise in Turkey, servicemen from various countries, including Azerbaijan, engaged in practical shooting with various caliber small arms. Additionally, tasks involving urban warfare, neutralizing simulated enemies, providing first aid, and evacuation were successfully completed. The international exercise aims to exchange experiences, coordinate joint activities among participating countries' servicemen, enhance staff officers' decision-making skills, and further elevate professionalism and training until May 30.

On May 22, a group of Azerbaijani Army engineer-sapper units participated in courses held in Izmir, Turkey. The courses focused on modern engineering equipment features and practical skills enhancement in reconnaissance, mine detection, neutralization, detonation methods, and safety measures in dealing with improvised explosives. The training aims to increase professionalism, enhance combat training skills in engineering support tasks, and optimize modern engineering equipment and device utilization.

On May 24, combat training classes were conducted by the Military Police Department personnel, under the 2024 training plan. The Chief of Georgia's Military Police Department, Colonel Shalva Shengelia, visited Azerbaijan and observed the exercises. The training emphasized the organization of commandant service activities, increasing vigilance, and ensuring interoperability with relevant state bodies. Tasks included patrolling checkpoints, safeguarding military facilities, directing military vehicle movements, and ensuring safe convoy passage. The exercises focused on civilian population safety in conflict zones, prisoner and hostage release, and compliance with the Geneva Conventions in treating war prisoners.

On May 25, combat training sessions were held with engineering units according to the Defense Minister's approved training plan. Personnel accomplished tasks involving mine and unexploded ammunition detection and neutralization, minefield passage, obstacle overcoming, and other engineering support duties. The sessions aimed to enhance professionalism and proficiency in modern engineering techniques and equipment utilization.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Hosts Turkish Land Forces Commander

On May 21, Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with a delegation led by Army General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, during an official visit to Azerbaijan. 

Colonel General Hasanov welcomed the Turkish delegation, expressing satisfaction with their visit and emphasizing the friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. He highlighted the positive outcomes of reforms within the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Army General Bayraktaroğlu expressed gratitude for the hospitality and underscored the importance of such meetings for enhancing military cooperation between the two fraternal nations. Discussions during the meeting encompassed prospects for military and military-technical cooperation, as well as regional security issues.

Subsequently, the Turkish delegation met with the First Deputy Minister of Defense – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, and Advisor to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Bakhtiyar Ersay. During the meetings, the General Staff expressed satisfaction with the current state of Azerbaijani-Turkish military cooperation grounded in mutual trust and support.

As part of the official visit, the Turkish guests visited the headquarters of the Land Forces, where a welcoming ceremony was held. They passed along the guard of honor, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Turkey were played, and the Book of Honor was signed according to protocol.

Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, Deputy Minister of Defense – Commander of the Land Forces, met with the Turkish delegation, emphasizing the importance of conducting joint military exercises to enhance the professionalism of servicemen from both countries and facilitate the exchange of mutual experiences. Discussions also covered various other relevant topics.

Azerbaijani Defense Ministry Hosts Meeting on Humanitarian Mine Clearance

On May 23, a working meeting of military experts on engineering support, focusing on humanitarian mine clearance, took place at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Defense Ministry. Major General Anar Karimov, Chief of the Main Department of the Engineering Troops, provided the visiting experts with comprehensive insights into the mine clearance operations conducted in the liberated territories following the victory in the Patriotic War, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing engineering support efforts, conducted in collaboration with other government authorities, to ensure effective military service in the liberated territories, characterized by challenging terrain. Discussions encompassed the coordination of engineering activities, equipment utilization for neutralizing mines, improvised explosive devices, and unexploded ammunition, as well as the exchange of insights on engineering units and related topics between the two countries.

Georgian Military Police Delegation Visits Azerbaijan

On May 23, a delegation headed by Colonel Shalva Shengelia, the Chief of the Military Police Department of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Georgia, embarked on a visit to Azerbaijan. As part of their itinerary, the delegation paid a visit to the Military Police Department of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense.

A meeting was held at the Military Police Department, where Lieutenant Colonel Elgun Aliyev, Chief of the Azerbaijani Military Police Department, warmly welcomed the guests.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral military cooperation, emphasizing the foundation of friendly and fraternal relations built on mutual trust and support. The significance of such meetings in facilitating the exchange of experience between the two countries was underscored.

Azerbaijan and Germany Hold Specialized Military Meeting

On May 23, under the Bilateral Cooperation Plan established between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Ministry of Defense of the Federal Republic of Germany, a specialized meeting convened between military specialists from both nations.

The gathering, hosted at the Joint Forces Operations Command of Germany, facilitated extensive discussions on various topics of mutual interest. Participants exchanged detailed insights into the involvement of Azerbaijan and Germany in UN missions and international peacekeeping operations, sharing valuable experiences gained in these endeavors. Additionally, other pertinent matters of mutual concern were deliberated upon during the meeting.

Azerbaijani Military Police Delegation Visits Kazakhstan

On May 25, within the framework of the Bilateral Military Cooperation Program between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, a delegation from the Military Police Department of the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry embarked on a visit to Kazakhstan.

During their visit, the Azerbaijani delegation familiarized themselves with the daily operations of the Kazakh military police, including the organization of the cynological service, examination of material and technical equipment, training programs, and military equipment utilized. Additionally, they observed a demonstration exercise conducted by units at the Training Center of Military Police Specialists.

Furthermore, a meeting was convened with representatives from both Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan's military police, facilitating in-depth discussions on various matters of mutual interest.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation from the Defense Ministry also toured the State Museum of Military History, the National Museum of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and other significant historical landmarks.

Georgia

The Georgian side published no important information during this period.