Armenia

Armenian Defense Minister Meets Slovak Ambassador

On September 19, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that Suren Papikyan, the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia, received Miroslav Hatsek, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Republic to Armenia, along with the newly appointed Defence Attaché, Colonel Milan Shinta. 

Minister Papikyan extended his congratulations to Colonel Shinta on assuming his new role and wished him success.

During the meeting, both parties discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation between Armenia and Slovakia in the defense field and expressed their readiness to develop these ties further. They also addressed issues related to regional security.

Suren Papikyan Hosts Argentine Ambassador

On September 20, Suren Papikyan received Rafael Enrique González Alemán, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to Armenia. The meeting focused on exploring opportunities for defense cooperation between Armenia and Argentina and discussing issues related to regional security.

Armenian Defense Minister Congratulates French Counterpart on Reappointment

On September 21, Papikyan extended his congratulations to the Minister of the Armed Forces of the French Republic, Sébastien Lecornu, on his reappointment. In his congratulatory letter, Papikyan stated: 

"Honourable Sébastien, with great pleasure, I extend my warmest and sincere congratulations on your reappointment as the Minister of the Armed Forces. I am confident that the Armenia-France cooperation in the defense field will continue and will enhance further and develop for the benefit of the interests of our countries."

Azerbaijan

Local and International Exercises

On September 17, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported that an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Course was being conducted with a group of Naval Special Forces personnel. According to the course plan, participants were tasked with detecting bottom mines, various types of explosive ordnance, and improvised explosive devices placed by imaginary terrorist groups. These were to be brought to the surface and either destroyed by explosion or burning while adhering to safety regulations. The course's main objective was to improve the combat training of units to meet modern requirements and enhance servicemen's practical skills in using new engineering equipment effectively.

On September 19, the Eternal Brotherhood – III exercise, held in Kazakhstan with the participation of special forces from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Pakistan, Qatar, and Uzbekistan, concluded. The closing ceremony, attended by more than four hundred personnel, took place at the Orda training range in the Turkistan region of Kazakhstan. The professionalism of the exercise participants was highly praised during the ceremony. It was noted that the special forces skillfully fulfilled tasks according to the exercise plan, including neutralizing imaginary illegal armed formations that violated the border, seizing advantageous high grounds, disabling unmanned aerial vehicles using electronic warfare, conducting aerial reconnaissance to defend against drone attacks, and completing other assignments.

High-Level Defense Talks in Ankara

On September 17, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, the Acting Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Commander of the Air Force, visited Ankara at the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force of the Republic of Türkiye, Army General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu. During his visit, Lieutenant General Islamzade met with the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Türkiye, Army General Metin Gürak. The meeting, also attended by Army General Kadıoğlu, focused on the prospects for developing military cooperation between the two fraternal nations and addressed a range of mutual interests.

On September 19, Lieutenant General Islamzade continued his visit, holding a series of meetings with key officials, including the President of the Secretariat of Defense Industries under the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, Haluk Görgün, Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, and Army General Ziya Cemal Kadıoğlu. The discussions centered on the current state of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye and explored future joint projects. The meetings emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in military, military-technical, and military educational fields, along with other matters of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan and Italy Foster Stronger Defense Relations Through High-Level Meetings

On September 19, the delegation led by First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, began an official visit to Italy. During this visit, Colonel General Valiyev met with the Italian military leadership and visited a defense industry company. 

Colonel General Valiyev later met with the Chief of Defence of Italy, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, who provided a briefing on the structure and activities of the Italian Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces. The discussions between Colonel General Valiyev and Admiral Dragone focused on the development of military cooperation, military-technical collaboration, military education, and regional security matters. Colonel General Valiyev also congratulated Admiral Dragone on his designation as Chair of the NATO Military Committee, wishing him success in the new position.

Additionally, during his visit, Colonel General Valiyev met with the Italian Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, where they exchanged detailed views on the current state and future prospects of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy. Ambassador Aslanov also attended this meeting.

On September 20, Colonel General Valiyev's official visit continued with a meeting with Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, Secretary General of Defence and National Armaments Director. Colonel General Valiyev congratulated Lieutenant General Portolano on his appointment as Chief of Defence of the Italian Armed Forces and wished him success in the new role. Their discussions centered on further expanding military-technical cooperation between the two nations, with both sides expressing confidence in the continued success of their collaboration. 

The Azerbaijani military delegation then visited the Italian Joint Operations Command (JOC), where they were briefed on its activities.

The following day, Colonel General Valiyev visited the NATO Defense College in Rome and met with its Commandant, Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen. The meeting, attended by Ambassador Rashad Aslanov, focused on opportunities for enhancing military education cooperation. Colonel General Valiyev was provided with detailed information about the college's history, activities, and educational processes. He also met with Azerbaijani servicemen and civilian personnel serving within NATO’s Partnership Staff Post Concept and participating in the NATO Regional Cooperation Course, inquiring about their educational experiences.

Azerbaijan and Russia Enhance Military Police Cooperation

On September 21, a delegation led by Major General Vitaly Kokh, the Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation, visited Azerbaijan to participate in a working meeting focused on the exchange of experience in personnel training and ensuring order and traffic safety in the Armed Forces, held in Baku. 

During a meeting with representatives from both countries, the Russian guests received a briefing on the history and daily activities of the Military Police Department, including its material and technical equipment and training programs. The delegation also toured the facilities, familiarizing themselves with the modern weapons and equipment used by military police units and the administrative building, sports hall, and car park. 

As part of the visit, the Russian guests observed demonstration classes conducted by military police units, focusing on search and rescue operations in settlements and military facilities, the neutralization of militants, and the evacuation of prisoners of war at the training ground.

Georgia

Georgia Celebrates Ten Years of NATO-Georgia Essential Package Initiatives

On September 18, the Georgian Defense Ministry reported that ten years had passed since initiating the NATO-Georgia Essential Package. A commemorative event was held at the Joint Center for Training and Evaluation, where the Minister of Defense of Georgia, Irakli Chikovani, addressed the guests. He emphasized that the Essential Package serves as a vital tool for practical cooperation with NATO, highlighting the progress made in implementing its initiatives. The Minister stated that the measures within the package contribute to enhancing Georgia's defense capabilities and fostering closer relationships with the Alliance. He thanked NATO members and partner countries for their support in successfully executing the Essential Package.

The event featured remarks from several dignitaries, including Burju Sani, Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO; Major General Norbert Wagner, Head of the NATO Joint Forces Training Center; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Temur Janjalia; Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Aleksandre Darakhvelidze; and Levan Zhsiashvili, Head of the National Security Council Unit. Representatives from the Ministry of Defense of Georgia and NATO presented a review of the activities undertaken over the past decade.

Additionally, the new leader of the NATO Core Group, Aemal Bahaduri, was introduced, while the former leader, Colonel Norbert Hess, was awarded the "Worthy Partner" medal for his service. An exhibition showcasing equipment related to the Essential Package initiatives was also held for the attendees.

The event was attended by Major General Giorgi Matiashvili, Commander of the Defense Forces of Georgia, heads of the Defense Agency, and representatives from the Diplomatic Corps. The NATO-Georgia Essential Package was received by Georgia in September 2014 during the Welsh Summit, representing a series of initiatives aimed at bolstering Georgia's defense capabilities on its path toward NATO membership and enhancing security cooperation with NATO member states.

Georgian Deputy Defense Minister Meets Children of Ukrainian Military Servicemen

On September 19, Paata Patiashvili, the Deputy Minister of Defense of Georgia, met with the children of Ukrainian military servicemen who were killed or wounded at the rehabilitation center named after Mariam (Maro) Makashvili. During the visit, he presented them with memorable gifts. 

The Georgian Ministry of Defense hosted Ukrainian teenagers and their companions in Tserovani for a two-week program. The initiative, organized by the Department of Social Affairs and Psychological Support, provided the children with psychological support and various cultural events. The Head of the Department of Social Affairs and Psychological Support attended the event, along with Ukrainian officials in Georgia.

Batumi Hosts NATO Conference to Enhance Military Education for Non-Commissioned Officers

On September 22, Georgia hosted the 3rd annual international conference for non-commissioned officers from NATO member and partner countries in Batumi as part of the NATO Military Education Development Program (DEEP). The conference was inaugurated by Major General Zaza Chkhaidze, Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces, who expressed gratitude to the representatives of participating countries for their visit and wished for a successful conference.

Discussions during the event focused on the significance of educating and training the new generation of military personnel and the development of hierarchical systems for Georgian military technicians and specialists. Attendees included Chief Sergeant of the Defense Forces of Georgia, Chief Sergeant Giorgi Gogochuri, Colonel Zurab Khvichiya, Commander of Training and Military Education, and other representatives from the Defense Forces. The meeting aimed to enhance the military professional education of non-commissioned officers in alignment with NATO standards. The conference concluded with remarks from Burju Sani, Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATO, who thanked Georgia for hosting the event.