Interview of the special representative of the NATO Secretary General for the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Xavier Colomina, to APA

"NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation has returned to the pre-pandemic level"

- First of all, I would like to ask about the relations between NATO and Azerbaijan.

What is the current state of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the alliance?

- NATO and Azerbaijan have been exchanging views on security issues of mutual interest for many years.

We maintain a close partnership based on practical cooperation to strengthen the interoperability of our forces and address emerging security challenges.

We have already returned to the level of cooperation of the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, and together with our colleagues at the Delegation of Azerbaijan to NATO, we are working on the development of a new framework document called the Individual Partnership Program (or ITPP), which should guide us on an ambitious course for the coming years.

I reiterate my appreciation for NATO's support in Afghanistan, particularly troop contributions to our former International Security Assistance Force and Resolute Support Mission, as well as the role played by Azerbaijani units in supporting the evacuation of allied and partner personnel and at-risk Afghans from Kabul airport in August 2021. I want to express our gratitude to Azerbaijan for the role.

"The war in Ukraine increased the strategic importance of oil and gas transportation from Azerbaijan"

- How do you assess the security situation in the South Caucasus region in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine?

- Russia's illegal and unjustified war against Ukraine has undermined peace and stability in Europe and caused a food and energy crisis that affects many parts of the world.

This is an obvious and gross violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, right to choose its own path.

Russia's repeated violations of international humanitarian law have caused death, suffering and destruction.

NATO is not a party to this war.

However, we support Ukraine's legitimate right to self-defense as enshrined in the UN Charter.

President Putin made big strategic mistakes.

He completely underestimated the determination of Ukrainians to defend their country, their homes and their families.

He also underestimated the solidarity of our NATO allies and partners with the Kremlin at a level that would pay an unprecedented price.

Because of its illegal intervention in Ukraine, Russia is now poorer and more isolated from the world.

Many countries, including our partners in the South Caucasus, are affected by Russia's reckless and thoughtless actions.

More than one million Russians have gone abroad to avoid mobilization.

All countries neighboring Russia are forced to adapt and anticipate the actions of this unpredictable neighbor.

At the same time, (due to the war in Ukraine) diversification of energy sources and the strategic importance of oil and gas transportation from Azerbaijan have increased.

- There have always been certain approaches that Russia poses a threat to neighboring countries, especially countries that are not under the umbrella of NATO.

Do you think there is still a risk of Russian intervention in other countries, which has faced real problems in Ukraine?

- For many years, Russia has tried to re-establish its sphere of influence and direct control through coercion, provocation, aggression and illegal annexation.

This is contrary to the fundamental principles of European security, which Russia itself has signed, including the right of each country to choose its own path.

More specifically, the risk of intervention from an unpredictable aggressive neighbor is real for all three countries of the South Caucasus.

I hope it will encourage those countries to redouble their efforts to build more sustainable societies and economies, to chart their own future paths in harmony with their neighbors, free from unwanted interference and pressure.

This is the basis for their sovereignty, security and regional stability.

"NATO can play a role in strengthening the trust between Baku and Yerevan"

- After the second Karabakh war, a new dynamic has emerged in the region.

The process of normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been started.

There are ups and downs in the process, but the process is still ongoing.

NATO has already expressed its support in this direction.

How can the Alliance contribute to accelerating the process?

Is there any mechanism that can be suggested for this?

- I really welcome all constructive efforts that help the normalization process.

I also welcome the central role played by the European Union (EU) in this regard.

I believe that NATO can play a supportive role in building trust through political dialogue between both capitals.

However, we do not have a specific mechanism or formal role in direct discussions.

I would also like to add that we will continue to support all diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing the normalization process.

- Speaking of the region, I would like to ask a question about Iran.

In recent days, Iran has been criticized for the kamikaze drones and missiles it provided to Russia.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said that this is unacceptable.

However, Iran's foreign minister denied this information...

- We know that Russia is running out of ammunition.

That's why they turned to, for example, Iran to get more weapons.

So Russia is using Iranian-made drones to bring more death to Ukraine.

This is unacceptable.

No country should help Russia continue its brutal and illegal war of aggression.

We call on Iran to immediately end all support for Russia's war.

- It is always emphasized that NATO supports the "open door" policy.

As we know, both Ukraine and Georgia have declared their readiness to join NATO since 2008.

However, there is an opinion that NATO does not show enthusiasm in this matter not only because of the conditions of membership, but also because of the "Russian factor".

- As NATO's Strategic Concept, adopted at the June summit in Madrid, clearly states, the expansion of the alliance is a historic success.

In the last 5 years, Montenegro and North Macedonia have joined NATO, while Finland and Sweden are in the process of joining.

Enlargement has ensured security for millions of Europeans and contributed to peace, stability and prosperity.

Our door is open to all European democracies that share the values ​​of the alliance, are willing and able to take on the responsibilities and obligations of membership, and contribute to our common security through their membership.

Membership decisions are made by NATO allies and no third party has a say in the process.

"NATO is committed to the decision of the Bucharest summit on the membership of Georgia and Ukraine"

- In September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy signed a surprise document and applied for the rapid accession process to NATO.

Any progress on this issue?

- NATO allies adhere to the "open door" policy.

Ukraine's desire to join NATO is not new.

As stated in NATO's Strategic Concept, the Allies remain committed to the decision of the Bucharest summit, which gave both Georgia and Ukraine the prospect of membership.

Our most urgent and urgent task is to continue our support for Ukraine to win as a sovereign, independent and democratic state in Europe.

Allies are providing unprecedented support to Ukraine, and we are determined to strengthen it even further.

Not only with emergency (military) aid, but also by providing Ukraine with the appropriate equipment and training to transition from Soviet-era military standards to NATO standards and doctrine.

"NATO will continue to support Ukraine to win over Russia"

- Taking into account the important successes achieved by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield, can we expect an increase in assistance to Kyiv to liberate its territories?

- The successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the battlefield are truly remarkable.

These successes are the result of bravery and courage of Ukrainian soldiers.

These successes also show that the support given to Ukraine by NATO allies for many years has had its effect.

We must remember that the war did not begin on February 24.

It started with Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Since then, NATO and its allies have trained hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers.

So when Russia launched a full-scale invasion this year, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were already larger, better led, better trained and better equipped.

NATO ministers recently met with both Ukrainian Defense Minister Alexei Reznikov and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba to discuss Ukraine's immediate and long-term needs.

As Ukraine continues to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against Russian aggression, we are committed to continuing and strengthening our support for Kyiv, and will continue to do so as needed.

This will ultimately help Ukraine win as a sovereign and independent state and achieve a just and lasting peace.