On January 22, 2026, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska to discuss the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and the Alliance.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the meeting focused on the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, activities conducted within various partnership mechanisms, and pressing issues regarding regional and international security. Both parties emphasized that the ongoing collaboration contributes significantly to regional stability, specifically reviewing opportunities in demining, cyber security, and other specialized fields.
During the discussions, NATO's high appreciation for Azerbaijan's participation in peace support operations and its previous contributions to processes in Afghanistan was highlighted. The sides also touched upon defense reforms and adaptation measures, recalling with satisfaction the visit of NATO permanent representatives to Azerbaijan in November of the previous year. Furthermore, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov briefed the visitor on the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process, diplomatic efforts toward sustainable peace, and the implementation of agreements reached during the Washington summit on August 8.
Azerbaijan has maintained a long-standing relationship with NATO since joining the Partnership for Peace (PfP) program in 1994. This partnership has evolved to include political dialogue and practical cooperation across a wide range of sectors, including defense transformation and civil emergency planning. As a reliable partner, Azerbaijan continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring energy security for Europe and fostering connectivity through regional transport projects, which remain central to the strategic dialogue between Baku and the Alliance.
