Fico Supports Aliyev: A New Division is Forming in Europe

Azerbaijan does not intend to reduce military expenditures and continues to seek new partners in Europe. Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov has made an official visit to Bratislava at the invitation of Slovakia's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Robert Kaliňák. During negotiations, the parties discussed the current state of military cooperation between the two countries and prospects for development.

Special attention was paid to opportunities for cooperation in the military-technical sector and the importance of increasing mutual visits, reports Minval Politika.

Slovakia has a developed defense industry complex, which presents additional interest for Baku amid ongoing modernization of its armed forces. Although the parties have not detailed the terms of potential agreements, both the supply of ready-made weapons and the establishment of joint production facilities are being considered.

The visit takes place against the backdrop of warm political relations between the two countries. Recently, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico highly praised Azerbaijan's sovereign foreign policy and expressed agreement with President Ilham Aliyev regarding the policies of the European Parliament. Bratislava and Baku are effectively shaping common approaches against the interventionist policies of European institutions.