Azerbaijan and South Korea have taken a significant step in strengthening their defence ties, with high-level talks in Baku focusing on military development, regional security, and future collaboration. The discussions, held at the General Staff headquarters, underscored a shared commitment to enhancing bilateral defence capabilities and exploring new avenues of partnership.
Col. Gen. Karim Valiyev, Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff, welcomed a South Korean delegation led by Maj. Gen. Choi Chun-song, Director of the Foreign Intelligence Department at South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense. Valiyev expressed appreciation for the progress made in military cooperation, stating, “I highly appreciated the achievements made within the framework of military cooperation between the two countries.” Choi reciprocated the sentiment, emphasising the importance of mutual visits in fostering stronger relations.
The talks covered a range of topics, including defence collaboration, experience-sharing, and potential joint initiatives. Both sides discussed domestic stability and future projects aimed at bolstering their defence capabilities. The meeting comes at a time when Azerbaijan is prioritising military modernisation, particularly in the wake of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which highlighted the need for advanced defence technology and training.
South Korea, meanwhile, has been expanding its global defence partnerships, particularly in Europe, as it seeks to leverage its technological and strategic expertise. The two nations have a history of cooperation, dating back to the 1990s, with Seoul opening a military attaché office in Baku in 2015. This formal step marked the beginning of a more structured security collaboration.
The visit also included a symbolic gesture of respect, as the South Korean delegation paid tribute to Azerbaijan’s fallen soldiers at the Alley of Martyrs memorial ground and the Eternal Flame monument. This gesture underscores the deepening of ties between the two nations, rooted not only in strategic interests but also in mutual respect and shared values.
The growing defence engagement between Baku and Seoul reflects a broader trend in global security dynamics, where nations are forging new partnerships to address evolving threats. For Azerbaijan, this collaboration offers an opportunity to modernise its military and enhance its defence capabilities. For South Korea, it represents a chance to expand its influence in a strategically important region.
As both countries navigate their respective security challenges, this partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations, not just in defence but also in technology and energy. The talks in Baku have set the stage for a deeper, more comprehensive relationship, one that could reshape regional security dynamics and reinforce the importance of international cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.