History of Relations
Relations between Azerbaijan and NATO began shortly after the country regained independence in 1991. In 1994, Azerbaijan joined NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, which marked an important stage in strengthening the country’s cooperation with the international community. This program provided Azerbaijan with an opportunity to integrate into global security structures and develop its armed forces.
In 1996, Azerbaijan signed the Framework Document under the Partnership for Peace program, which laid the foundation for the country’s participation in joint exercises, peacekeeping initiatives, and defense reforms. Since then, Azerbaijan has actively participated in several NATO programs, including the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), the Defence Education Enhancement Programme (DEEP), and the Operational Capabilities Concept.
Azerbaijan’s cooperation with NATO has also included its participation in peacekeeping missions. In 2002, the country began providing peacekeepers for NATO’s mission in Afghanistan. By 2021, the number of Azerbaijani peacekeepers in Afghanistan had increased to 120 personnel. Azerbaijan also provided transit routes for NATO’s military cargo, playing a crucial role in the alliance’s logistics. More than 40% of NATO’s military supplies to Afghanistan passed through Azerbaijani territory.
Beyond Afghanistan, Azerbaijan participated in NATO operations in Kosovo, supporting peacekeeping efforts in the region. These initiatives demonstrated Azerbaijan’s willingness to actively cooperate with the alliance to ensure international security.
At the strategic level, Azerbaijan has avoided pursuing full NATO membership, opting instead for a balanced policy of engagement. This approach allowed the country to develop close ties with the alliance while maintaining stable relations with neighboring states such as Russia and Iran.
Turkey, an important NATO ally and a close partner of Azerbaijan, played a key role in strengthening this cooperation. Joint military exercises, training programs, and experience sharing allowed Azerbaijan to modernize its armed forces and bring them closer to NATO standards.
Since the signing of the Shusha Declaration in 2021, which reinforced defense cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey, Azerbaijan’s interaction with NATO has gained new momentum. This declaration highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a strategically significant partner in the South Caucasus.
Over the past three decades, Azerbaijan has established itself as a reliable and active NATO partner, demonstrating its commitment to the principles of international security and regional stability.
A New Stage of Cooperation: NATO Delegation Visits Azerbaijan
On December 13, 2023, a delegation from the NATO Defense College (NDC) led by Lieutenant General Max A.L.T. Nielsen arrived in Azerbaijan. This visit marked a significant milestone, reflecting a new stage in the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO. It emphasized the strategic importance of interaction between the parties in addressing global and regional security challenges.
During the visit, the NATO delegation visited several key sites and held high-level meetings aimed at deepening bilateral relations. One of the first stops was ADA University, where Vice-Rector Fariz Ismayilzade welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of strengthening educational cooperation and Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between East and West.
A key moment of the meeting was the speech by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration. Hajiyev provided a detailed analysis of the country’s foreign policy strategy, paying special attention to regional security issues and new challenges. He underscored the importance of NATO cooperation in ensuring stability in the South Caucasus.
Esmira Jafarova, representing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, presented Azerbaijan’s energy strategy, highlighting the country’s critical role in European energy security through projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor and TANAP. Colonel Ramil Shukurov of the Ministry of Defense detailed Azerbaijan’s military modernization efforts and its adaptation to NATO standards, with a focus on potential joint defense projects.
After meetings at ADA University, the delegation visited the Port of Baku, a key logistics hub in the region. The guests received detailed information about the port’s operations, its strategic importance for international logistics and trade, and future development plans. The modern infrastructure of the port, which plays a vital role in transit routes, was also inspected.
The visit concluded with a meeting at the National Defense University of Azerbaijan, where discussions focused on Azerbaijan’s achievements in military education and reforms aimed at integrating NATO standards. Special attention was given to joint initiatives, including the creation of educational platforms and expertise exchanges.
This visit marked a new phase in Azerbaijan-NATO relations. It strengthened mutual trust and laid the foundation for expanding cooperation in defense, security, and international collaboration. Given Azerbaijan’s strategic location, its role in ensuring regional stability and energy security, cooperation with NATO has become a key element in strengthening the international security system.
Prospects for Further Cooperation
Summing up the visit of the NATO delegation to Azerbaijan, it is clear that cooperation between the two sides is entering a new phase. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its role as a reliable and active partner of the alliance, ready to work together to ensure stability and security in the South Caucasus region and beyond.
The visit highlighted the importance of bilateral ties that go beyond defense to include key areas such as education, economy, and energy. Azerbaijan, with its strategic location and balanced foreign policy, remains a bridge between East and West, making it a unique partner for NATO.
The prospects for further cooperation look promising. Joint projects in military education, modernization of armed forces, and operational planning will be vital steps toward deepening interaction. The Individually Tailored Partnership Programme opens new horizons for both sides, allowing cooperation to adapt to modern challenges.
Thus, the partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO continues to strengthen, serving as a model of effective strategic interaction aimed at achieving shared goals of security and stability.
