“Serious preparations are being made in our Armed Forces for this”
Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev paid an official visit to the People’s Republic of China on October 25-29. Defense Ministry’s press service told APA that official welcome ceremony was held for Azerbaijani Defense Minister. On the first day of his visit Safar Abiyev met with chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army of China Chen Bingde. Military-political relations between the two countries, situation in the region were discussed during the meeting. They exchanged views on the cooperation in the field of military education. Safar Abiyev said China is Azerbaijan’s friend and one of the first countries to recognize our independence. Making Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict the main theme of discussion Safar Abiyev spoke about the causes and state of the problem. Expressing his gratitude to China for recognizing Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and giving support, Safar Abiyev said Azerbaijan supports China concerning Taiwan problem.
Chief of the General Staff of the People’s Liberation Army of China Chen Bingde noted that Azerbaijan plays the role of a bridge between Asia and Europe, China appreciates the reforms carried out by Azerbaijani state and president.
On the second day of the visit, Azerbaijani Defense Minister met with chiefs of NORINCO and POLI companies of China. Safar Abiyev was informed about the companies’ activities, products and future tasks. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister, Colonel-General Liang Guanglie, who invited Safar Abiyev to China, said the visit will make contributions to the expansion of the cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two countries. Safar Abiyev said Azerbaijan is interested in broad military cooperation with China.
“The Republic of Azerbaijan is always combating terrorism, separatism and extremism, supports development of close cooperation with all states in this field,” he said.
Safar Abiyev noted that Azerbaijan has undergone occupation, but the lands will be liberated.
“If peace talks produce no results, Azerbaijan will use all opportunities, including the power of the army to restore its territorial integrity. Serious preparations are being made in our Armed Forces for this,” he said.
Following this, Safar Abiyev visited the 24th division of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force. He was informed about the history, opportunities and structure of the division.
On the last day of the visit Azerbaijani Defense Minister met with vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of China Xu Caihou. The sides discussed prospects of military cooperation between China and Azerbaijan. Safar Abiyev expressed his gratitude to his Chinese counterpart for support in the field of military education. Regional security issues in the South Caucasus and Eastern Asia, current state and prospects of the military and military technical cooperation between the two countries were discussed at the meeting.
The most noticeable factor during the visit was that Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was supported by the officials of the People’s Republic of China at all meetings.
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