Gasic, Aliyev discuss relations between Serbia, Azerbaijan

BAKU - Serbia's Defence Minister Bratislav Gasic finished a two-day visit to Azerbaijan on Wednesday, during which he discussed ways of improving military cooperation between the two countries with Azerbaijani officials.

The two nations have never had better ties, and they will continue to develop in the future, he stressed, according to the Defence Ministry website.

Gasic and the rest of the Serbian delegation met with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who undercored the significance of cooperation in defence, adding that there was room for further improvement.

The relations between Azerbaijan and Serbia are well developed in man areas and these high-profile visits help strengthen the ties, Aliyev stated.

He thanked Gasic for conveying greetings from Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic and Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, the Serbian Defence Ministry said.

During his visit, Gasic met also with Prime Minister Artur Rasizade and Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov.

Gasic and Hasanov agreed on Tuesday that the military relations between the two countries had improved.

The focus is on the military economy, education, healthcare and participation in international exercises.

Since Serbia has a developed defence industry, the two officials said it was possible to improve the transfer of technology and equipment.

Gasic believes that sending Azerbaijani officers to study at the Serbian Military Academy and the Military Medical Academy would help improve relations.

Photo Tanjug, N. Jovanovic (archive)