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Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
Azerbaijan seeks defense ties with Iran
2004-12-23
Azerbaijan Republic's President Elham Aliyev said in a meeting with Iran's visiting Defense Minister Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani here Wednesday evening, "I sincerely hope defense cooperation between our two countries would expand to an unprecedented level." President Aliyev added, "expansion of ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Azerbaijan Republic is not only in the interest of our two nations, but a move aimed at boosting regional peace, security and stability."
Any dealings with Iran usually bring about just the opposite.
The Azeri president meanwhile wished success for the Iranian defense minister in his talks with Azeri officials. Aliyev considered president mullah Mohammad Khatami's state visit of Azerbaijan Republic earlier this year during which a number of cooperation documents were signed between the two countries' officials, quite successful and effective in boosting bilateral ties. He added, "presently the agreements reached between the two countries are being implemented properly and based on the pre-determined schedules." Referring to the continuous trips made by the two countries' officials to each others' capitals, President Aliyev said, "that is the best sign for excellent bilateral cooperation in all fields."
This can't be good, whatever it is.
Posted by:Steve

#1  IIUC, the iranians supported the Armenians (language trumping religion) while the Turks supported the Azeris. Azeris may be looking for insurance - on the order of contacts between India and China, Id think.
Posted by: Liberalhawk   2004-12-23 2:59:10 PM  

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