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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev invited to NATO Summit in Chicago

10 February 2012 11:32 (UTC +04:00)

James said that he met Azerbaijani President and discussed the cooperation between NATO and Azerbaijan: â€œWe had a productive meeting and reaffirmed our intention on the extension of cooperation. Azerbaijanâ€™s significant role in cargo traffic to Afghanistan was underlined at the meetingâ€.

James Appathurai said that meetings with the representatives of ISAF countries would be held in NATO Summit in Chicago: â€œWe have already signed an agreement on the third stage of IPAP. We will discuss these issues in the nearest future to make sure that all areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO meet the mutual interests."

The issues of cargo traffic through Azerbaijan to Afghanistan were discussed at the meetings the NATOâ€™s special representative held in Baku. James Appathurai said that 30% of NATO shipment to Afghanistan is being carried via Azerbaijan: â€œPresident Aliyev said Azerbaijan would continue to be a reliable partner of NATO in transit issue.â€

Appathurai said that the technical issues including AWACS systems flight through Azerbaijan to Afghanistan were not discussed during the meeting.

Now NATO enters such period that during next 2-3 years NATO will need not only shipment to Afghanistan, but also shipment from this country. Azerbaijani President assured me that Azerbaijan supports NATO in this issue."

Answering the journalists’ questions Appathurai said that the theme of Azerbaijan’s membership in NATO was not discussed during his visit to Baku.