Speech by Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the NATO/ISAF Ministerial Meeting
Speech by Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the NATO/ISAF Ministerial Meeting
Brussels, December 4, 2013
Mr. Secretary General,
Colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Let me start with welcoming Minister Osmani and Minister Daudzai. Our relations with Afghanistan are strategic and brotherly with a strong bilateral cooperation and a serious potential to grow.
Against this background coupled with our regional security concerns and strong ties with NATO, ISAF post-2014 mission in Afghanistan remain priority in our agenda.
Azerbaijan, as a potential operational partner to the post-ISAF mission, is capable to contribute significantly in terms of troops, training, transit and financial assistance.
My country is crucial as a transit route for ISAF and it will remain so for the post 2014 operation. We also closely work with our Turkish and Georgian friends. Upcoming Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railroad and a new Caspian seaport in Azerbaijan will be a serious add-on to the transit capacity.
In addition, the Government of Azerbaijan has already pledged its contribution to ANA Trust Fund and will continue these donations.
In the end, let me also say a few words about the Azerbaijan-NATO partnership. We stand strongly for committed and reliable relations with the Alliance. We have shared principles and values, as well as various existing and emerging mechanisms, which provide a solid foundation for our common vision and for further developments.