Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov has met with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, to discuss the maintenance of stability in the Middle East and the South Caucasus. The high-level meeting focused on strengthening bilateral defense ties and addressing recent security challenges affecting the broader Eurasian region.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Italian Ministry of Defense, Crosetto emphasized Azerbaijan's fundamental role in regional geopolitics. "Azerbaijan is a key ally for Italy and a strategic partner in the energy sector," the statement noted. During the discussions, Crosetto condemned the Iranian drone attacks targeting Nakhchivan and expressed appreciation for the restraint and sense of responsibility demonstrated by Baku in managing the resulting tensions. The ministers also reviewed bilateral cooperation, specifically focusing on military education and joint training activities between the two nations' Armed Forces.
The meeting underscores the deepening strategic relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy, which has expanded significantly beyond energy exports to include comprehensive security and defense cooperation. As a major contributor to Europe's energy security through the Southern Gas Corridor, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its diplomatic and military ties with key EU member states. This dialogue reflects a shared commitment to regional stability, particularly as both nations navigate the complex security dynamics of the South Caucasus and the Middle East.
