Closer cooperation with Azerbaijan

On July 2, 2015 NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence received a delegation of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan Republic, headed by Minister of Defence Colonel General Zakir Hasanov. Distinguished guest was welcomed by Director of NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence Colonel Gintaras Bagdonas.  

After welcome speech,  Director of NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence started a round table discussion with the presentation of the NATO ENSEC COE role, main areas of interests  and activities, focusing on energy efficiency innovation needed in the armed forces to decrease the dependence on fossil fuels as well as to the importance of awareness also via education and training on energy security related developments, considering that energy is more and more part of a wider hybrid warfare strategy and a political tool.  Also the importance of knowledge on aspects of critical energy infrastructure protection has been noted.

Minister of Defence of Azerbaijan Colonel General Zakir Hasanov  positively commented on the activities and projects of the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence and proposed to look for the further opportunities in common activities.