Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Col. Gen. Safar Akhundbala oglu Abiyev met at the Pentagon today to discuss the military relationship between their two nations.
During the meeting Mabus and Abiyev addressed the existing partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan as well as maritime security in the Caspian Sea.
Mabus, who visited Azerbaijan in November 2011, expressed his thanks to Abiyev for Azerbaijan’s role in supporting coalition efforts in Afghanistan and also discussed possible opportunities to support the future development of the Azerbaijani navy.
“Meetings such as this underscore Secretary Mabus’ commitment to building lasting partnerships with international allies and increasing the regional cooperation necessary to ensure freedom of trade and navigation worldwide,” said Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence, spokesperson for the Secretary of the Navy.
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Press Release, August 6, 2013; Image: US Navy