PRESIDENT ALIYEV REVIEWS DEFENSE ISSUES, REAFFIRMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAKU 001406

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR A/S FRIED
OSD FOR DASD MCDOUGALL
OBO FOR GENERAL WILLIAMS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/19/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR MOPS PTER AMGT ABLD KZ AJ
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT ALIYEV REVIEWS DEFENSE ISSUES, REAFFIRMS
SUPPORT FOR NEW EMBASSY COMPOUND

Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse per 1.4 (b,d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: During a September 15 meeting with the
Ambassador and visiting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense
James MacDougall, President Aliyev affirmed his commitment to
a strong bilateral relationship. Aliyev emphasized that the
key points of cooperation "particularly the energy sphere,
counterterrorism, and regional stability," increasingly are
"intertwined." MacDougall briefed Aliyev on US maritime
security efforts in the Caspian Sea and informed Aliyev that
DoD was exploring options for a possible train and equip
mission in Azerbaijan. Aliyev seemed pleased by both points.
MacDougall encouraged Azerbaijan to explore ways to
cooperate with Kazakhstan, especially on maritime security
issues. While Aliyev agreed that this was a good idea, he
cautioned that Kazakhstan moves slowly to avoid offending
other regional states. Aliyev noted to the Ambassador that
he is personally engaged on USG efforts to obtain a new
Embassy compound. End summary.


2. (C) President Aliyev met with the Ambassador and visiting
Department of Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary James
MacDougall for 30 minutes on September 15. Welcoming
MacDougall, President Aliyev described the bilateral
relationship as "fruitful and friendly," stating that he was
"very satisfied with the level of cooperation," and considers
the US a "close ally." Aliyev underscored that the areas of
bilateral cooperation are "intertwined." For example, joint
interests in the "energy sphere, counterterrorism, and
regional stability" are closely interrelated. Characterizing
the level of bilateral cooperation as "wide and important,"
Aliyev remarked that both countries, efforts could span from
the Caspian to the Black Sea. Aliyev referred to the
Caspian, Central Asia, and Black Sea as "one big region,"
where the US role is instrumental. Focusing on regional
security, Aliyev noted that at this stage of development and
considering the importance of "our southern partner,"
cooperation and coordination between the US and Azerbaijan is
very important. Given the significance of USG-GOAJ
cooperation in producing large achievements in the energy
sector, our cooperation is also important in the field of
security, particularly as the Caspian becomes a more
significant and dangerous region. Aliyev then reviewed
Azerbaijan's contributions to the GWOT, which he described as
"very important for the preservation of peace in the world."
MacDougall thanked Aliyev for Azerbaijan's support in the
GWOT, and remarked that his successful visit to the US opened
an opportunity to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new
level.

CASPIAN SECURITY ASSISTANCE REMAINS STEADY
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3. (C) Following up on President Aliyev's questions about US
security assistance in the Caspian Sea (made during Aliyev's
April 2006 meeting with SECDEF),MacDougall reviewed the
major completed and ongoing maritime security programs.
MacDougall noted that the USG programs aim to bolster
Azerbaijan,s maritime capabilities to address proliferation,
terrorism, and narcotics threats. Aliyev appeared to
understand the message that DoD Caspian assistance
increasingly will focus on infrastructure improvements,
rather than training. Aliyev attentively listened to the
briefing and nodded, suggesting he was pleased with the scope
of US security assistance.


4. (C) Noting the US interest in developing stronger ties
between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, MacDougall suggested that
it was natural for the two states to explore areas of
cooperation. MacDougall highlighted maritime security issues
as a potential point of cooperation. MacDougall said that
the US has focused on developing both states' naval
capabilities and that this could be the springboard for
Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan sharing threat-related information.
Aliyev was receptive to cooperation with Kazakhstan and saw
"no disadvantages in working closer with Kazakhstan."
However, he cautioned that Kazakhstan moves slowly to avoid
offending other regional states. Highlighting Azerbaijan's
approach to regional initiatives, Aliyev remarked that
"Azerbaijan is always an initiator" and that we should
explore how Kazakhstan can become more involved in Caspian
security.

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TRAIN AND EQUIP PROGRAM A POSSIBILITY
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5. (C) MacDougall also briefed Aliyev on the potential for a
train and equip program for Azerbaijan, noting that Aliyev
had raised this request during his April visit to Washington.
MacDougall said the Department of Defense would work with
the Ministry of Defense to explore options for a future plan.
Aliyev appeared pleased, while recognizing MacDougall,s
point that US domestic political dynamics make it challenging
to plan this type of program.

ALIYEV PERSONALLY ENGAGED ON NEC SEARCH
--------------

6. (C) Aliyev asked the Ambassador for an update on USG
efforts to obtain a new Embassy compound, noting that he had
put the issue under his "personal supervision." The
Ambassador thanked Aliyev for his personal involvement and
continued support. Aliyev asked if there was anything more
that Azerbaijan could do to assist at this point. The
Ambassador explained that as a next step, a US inspection
team will arrive at Post during the week of September 25 to
evaluate the three properties offered to the USG by the State
Property Commission.


7. (U) DASD MacDougall cleared this message.
DERSE