OREANDA-NEWS. April 30, 2009. During the conversation, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer stressed special role of Azerbaijan in the region. NATO considers Azerbaijan a partner which plays an important role in the region, he noted. According to him, President Ilham Aliyev`s current visit would contribute to expanding NATO-Azerbaijan relations.

President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, said NATO-Azerbaijan relations are developing. He underlined that Azerbaijan actively participates in NATO`s various programs and events, including IPAP.

According to the President, Azerbaijan-NATO relations are a part of the country`s integration into Euro-Atlantic structures. The Head of State expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to boost.