Moscow's Reaction to Aliyev's Statements

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has stated that the country's army will be brought in line with NATO standards, emphasizing close cooperation with Turkey and the ongoing modernization of the armed forces.

The Deputy Chairman of the State Duma's Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs Committee, Konstantin Zatulin, noted in an interview with Lenta.ru that Aliyev's statements are not surprising. He described them as yet another remark on a matter that has already been resolved.

“These events are not news. They are simply yet another statement regarding a resolved issue. As for Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO, it is carried out directly through Turkey. Essentially, Azerbaijan and Turkey have a common army and command, a military-political alliance,” Zatulin said.

Earlier, it was reported that Aliyev met with a NATO delegation visiting Azerbaijan.