Armenia

Armenian Defence Minister Papikyan Welcomes New German Ambassador Claudia Busch

On October 29, Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, welcomed Claudia Busch, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Armenia. Minister Papikyan congratulated Ambassador Busch on her appointment and extended his best wishes for advancing Armenia-Germany relations.

The meeting involved discussions on the current state of defense cooperation between Armenia and Germany and opportunities for future collaboration. Minister Papikyan provided an overview of ongoing defense reforms in Armenia, and the two also addressed key regional security issues.

Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan and Pakistan Strengthen Military Ties During General Mirza's Visit

On October 28, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. President Aliyev remarked that General Mirza's visit provided an excellent opportunity to review the robust partnership and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan across various fields.

President Aliyev highlighted the success of his recent state visit to Pakistan, which he noted had strengthened friendly and fraternal relations. He emphasized the mutual support between the two countries regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty. The President pointed out key areas for cooperation, particularly in trade relations, mentioning the potential for Azerbaijan to invest $2 billion in Pakistan.

Regarding defense cooperation, President Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of JF-17C aircraft in the Azerbaijani Air Force, noting their status as some of the best aircraft worldwide. He expressed confidence in achieving successful outcomes in defense industry collaboration, including production, investment, and technological advancements. The President also mentioned the anticipated participation of Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif in the upcoming COP29 event and his expected state visit to Azerbaijan the following year.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza conveyed greetings from Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. He praised President Aliyev as a "legendary figure" and underscored the significance of the President's visit to Pakistan as a historic milestone in the development of bilateral relations. General Mirza noted Azerbaijan's achievements under President Aliyev's leadership and acknowledged the importance of Azerbaijan's victory in the Patriotic War, recognizing the strong military capabilities and strategic vision of the Azerbaijani government.

On the same day, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, received the Pakistani delegation led by General Mirza. Before their meeting, the Pakistani delegation visited the Alley of Shahids (Martyrs). During the official welcome at the Ministry of Defense, Colonel General Hasanov emphasized the importance of friendly ties and military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, as well as trilateral cooperation involving Türkiye.

The meeting included discussions on the current operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border and the significance of mutual visits in strengthening military relations. Both parties addressed future prospects in military, military-technical, and military-educational cooperation and highlighted the necessity of increasing joint exercises involving servicemen from Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Türkiye.

Azerbaijan and Morocco Sign Defense Cooperation Agreement

On October 30, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, embarked on a working visit to Morocco at the invitation of Abdellatif Loudiyi, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of the National Defense Administration of the Kingdom of Morocco. During this visit, Colonel General Hasanov held discussions with his Moroccan counterpart.

The Azerbaijani Minister expressed gratitude for the invitation to attend the Marrakech Air Show 2024. The two ministers explored the prospects for advancing military and military-technical relations between Azerbaijan and Morocco, engaging in dialogue on various issues of mutual interest.

Colonel General Hasanov and his Moroccan counterpart concluded the meeting by signing the "Agreement on Military Cooperation in the Field of Defense between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco," further solidifying the defense partnership between the two nations.

Azerbaijan and Iran Conduct Joint Naval Exercise in the Caspian Sea

On November 3, the ministry reported that the AZIREX-2024 tactical exercise would take place, featuring a group of personnel and ships from the Naval Forces of the Azerbaijan Army and the Iranian Army. This exercise is conducted under the protocol established by the Joint Commission on Military and Military-technical Cooperation, signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

On November 2, personnel and warships from the Azerbaijan Army arrived at Anzali Sea Port in preparation for the exercise. The drill will involve two ships and more than 100 personnel from Azerbaijan's Navy and focus on "Search and Rescue at Sea" operations to be carried out in the Iranian section of the Caspian Sea.

Georgia

No important information was published by the Georgian side during this period.