Azerbaijan is an ideal location for a NATO base, a former presidential official told a seminar today.

“The territory and people of Azerbaijan are ideal for military cooperation with NATO.The country has a favourable geostrategic location, its population is educated and capable of assimilating new technology. Azerbaijan has military aerodromes suitable for NATO bases,” political scientist Vafa Guluzade told the seminar “NATO-Azerbaijan Cooperation: A Civilian View”.

“I was one of our first politicians to suggest that NATO open its bases in Azerbaijan. My idea was picked up by Georgia’s President Shevardnadze and Uzbekistan’s President Karimov who proposed military cooperation initiatives with NATO,” said Guluzade.

“If Armenia can have a Russian base on its territory we can invite a NATO base,” Guluzade said.

“Cooperation with NATO is essential for Azerbaijan’s security and protection from the current Armenian aggression and potential aggression of other potential enemies. Cardinal reforms will have to be made in our in our state and society if NATO is to come to Azerbaijan,” he said.

Vafa Guluzade resigned in 1999 as an adviser to former President Heydar Aliyev, citing foreign policy differences.