US Secretary of State defends military education to Azerbaijan citing need to strengthen forces and defend border with Iran
23 March 2023
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has defended the decision to provide military education to Azerbaijan, citing the need to strengthen their forces and enhance interoperability with US and NATO forces. Blinken made the remarks in response to concerns raised by pro-Armenian Democratic Senator Bob Menendez during a hearing in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
Blinken noted that one of the practical reasons for the military education program was to enhance the ability of Azerbaijani forces to engage in peacekeeping operations. He also highlighted Azerbaijan's long border with Iran, which he said necessitated a higher level of military preparedness.
In addition to discussing military education, Blinken also spoke about the role of the US in promoting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "I've been very engaged in seeing what we can do to help Armenia and Azerbaijan come to a peace agreement," he said, expressing hope that a peace agreement will be signed soon.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has been ongoing for decades, with a ceasefire declared in November 2020. The US has been involved in efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
Blinken noted that one of the practical reasons for the military education program was to enhance the ability of Azerbaijani forces to engage in peacekeeping operations. He also highlighted Azerbaijan's long border with Iran, which he said necessitated a higher level of military preparedness.
In addition to discussing military education, Blinken also spoke about the role of the US in promoting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia. "I've been very engaged in seeing what we can do to help Armenia and Azerbaijan come to a peace agreement," he said, expressing hope that a peace agreement will be signed soon.
The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has been ongoing for decades, with a ceasefire declared in November 2020. The US has been involved in efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.
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