Azernews.Az

By Nazrin Gadimova

ADA University hosted an event on Information Day as part of the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) program of NATO's Emerging Security Challenges Division (ESCD) on April 10.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov, NATO Assistant Secretary General Sorin Ducaru, Head of SPS Section Deniz Yüksel-Beten, as well as other experts.

Addressing the event, Araz Azimov noted the importance of the event, emphasizing the effectiveness of SPS.

"Each country has its own interests and values," the deputy minister said. He noted that Azerbaijan has its own interests, such as energy security, war against terror, maritime security, protection of energy infrastructure, and others.

"All these program are of great importance for Azerbaijan," according to the official. "Azerbaijani scientists have focused their attempt at accomplishing these programs," he said.

Sorin Ducaru, in turn, stressed the importance of this event in Azerbaijan.

Ducaru said Azerbaijan is the most active and collaborating partner of the SPS program, stressing that this program is very broad, and Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to join the program in 1994.

The event, composed of four plenary sessions, discussed challenges like energy security, cyber defense and global security.

In reply to journalists' questions, Ducaru said Azerbaijan is one of the most important countries for NATO, which made a significant contribution to peace and stability in Afghanistan.

"Energy security, war against terror is another area of our cooperation and we intend to continue it," he said, praising the role of Azerbaijan in the implementation of NATO various programs, and added that these programs play an important role in the development of relations between Azerbaijan and NATO.

Earlier, Azerbaijani president received the newly appointed NATO Assistant Secretary General. The meeting discussed the cooperation plan between Azerbaijan and the NATO, as well as ways to develop bilateral relations.

The Romanian official also met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov.The sides noted the importance of the Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation, and discussed prospects for development of the bilateral partnership.

The Science for Peace and Security Program, or SPS, is a policy tool for enhancing cooperation and dialogue with all partners, based on civil science and innovation, to contribute to the Alliance's core goals and to address the priority areas for dialogue and cooperation identified in the new partnership policy.

Originally founded as the NATO Science Program in the 1950s, the SPS now offers grants for collaboration projects, workshops and training involving scientists from NATO member states and partner countries.