DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER AZIMOV SIGNALS DESIRE TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAKU 001837 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR PM AND EUR/CARC E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/20/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR MASS AJ SUBJECT: DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER AZIMOV SIGNALS DESIRE TO INTENSIFY BILATERAL COOPERATION REF: BAKU 01753 Classified By: Ambassador Anne E. Derse for reasons 1.4 b, d. ¶1. (U) This is an action request; see para 3. ¶2. (C) In a December 8 meeting with the Ambassador, Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov requested that the USG engage in government-to-government consultations on the drafting of Azerbaijan's Military Doctrine and Foreign Policy Strategy. Azimov explained that he was disappointed with the USG's limited role in advising the GOAJ on the nearly completed National Security Concept (NSC),reftel. He asked that as the GOAJ seeks to begin drafting the Military Doctrine and Foreign Policy, he would like to have US-GOAJ consultations on a government-to-government basis -- not simply a USG paid advisor -- on these documents. Azimov remarked that he sought government-to-government consultations because he could not share national security information with a non-government "advisor." ¶3. (C) ACTION REQUEST: Azimov's request is a clear signal that the GOAJ wants to intensify bilateral cooperation. His request presents a valuable opportunity to shape these documents in a positive direction, better understand the GOAJ,s nascent interagency process, and strengthen our overall bilateral relationship. We strongly recommend that the Department accept this request. The planned visit of PM Assistant Secretary Hillen would be a good opportunity to further explore this issue with Azimov, and periodic discussions under the umbrella of the political-military consultations jointly led by State and DoD, perhaps in a specific working group, would be an appropriate vehicle to conduct this dialogue. HYLAND