Joint press point

President Aliyev,

Welcome back to NATO Headquarters. It’s great to see you again and thank you for a very constructive meeting and I’m also looking forward to the meeting with the North Atlantic Council where you will meet all the 29 Allies.

Today we have discussed our long-standing cooperation. We are grateful for your continued commitment to our Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, with troops, transit, and financial support to the Afghan national security forces.

And I also want to thank you for your decision to increase your troop contribution to our Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan.

The partnership between NATO and Azerbaijan goes back many years.  It is founded on a commitment to democratic values and principles.

Today our practical cooperation covers many areas, from capability development to energy security.

And a trust fund for the destruction of unexploded mines and ammunition from the former Soviet Army.

I also want to thank you for your decision to make the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security part of our cooperation agenda.

All this contributes to making the Euro-Atlantic area safer and more secure.

We are committed to continue working with you in all areas that you have chosen.

And to take our cooperation further.

We encourage you to step up security sector reform.

And to take full advantage of our Building Integrity programme to help fight corruption.

Today we also discussed regional security in the South Caucasus.  

The unresolved conflict of Nagorno-Karabakh is a matter of concern.

It is clear that there is no military solution to this conflict.

And NATO has no direct role.

We support the work of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. 

And I am encouraged to hear about your renewed dialogue with the President of Armenia.   

We encourage you to continue the path to a negotiated solution and to avoid any new escalation.

So President Aliyev, let me thank you once again for coming and visiting the NATO Headquarters.

Your meeting with the North Atlantic Council today will be an important opportunity to discuss how we can further deepen our cooperation.

So once again thank you and the floor is yours.