Azer Tag, Azerbaijan State Info Agency
March 20 2004

PRESIDENT OF AZERBAIJAN ILHAM ALIYEV MET NATO SECRETARY GENERAL
[March 19, 2004, 22:16:49]

On 19 March, in the frame of Slovakia visit, President of Azerbaijan
Ilham Aliyev met the NATO Secretary General Yaap de Hoop Scheffer,
AzerTAj correspondent reports from Bratislava.

During the meeting of friendly and warm atmosphere, discussed were
the existing links between Azerbaijan and NATO, focused the issues of
integration of Azerbaijan to the Euro-Atlantic structures, as well as
exchanged views on preparation works for the June 2004 Summit of NATO
due in Istanbul.

Noting that he attaches great significance to the cooperation with
NATO, President of Azerbaijan said that cooperation with this
Organization is of progressive character. He once again stressed the
necessity of integration to the Euro-Atlantic structures, saying,
`Azerbaijan will further continue its policy in this direction’.

NATO pays much attention to the South Caucasus and considers
Azerbaijan as an important partner of this Organization, Mr. Yaap de
Hoop Scheffer emphasized.

The parties exchanged views on a number of other issues on
cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO, especially was focused the
plan of activity on cooperation that is under preparation.

In the course of talk, the parties also discussed the situation in
the South Caucasus, settlement prospects of the Armenian-Azerbaijani
Nagorny Karabakh conflict. The North Atlantic Alliance wishes quick
and peaceful resolution to the conflict and it is important for NATO,
Mr. Yaap de Hoop Scheffer said.