US support modernization of Azerbaijan's air force base

"We are continuing to use Heydar Aliyev International Airport as well as Azerbaijan's air space. This partnership is very important for the US. Azerbaijan has undertaken commitments in IPAP to modernize the second aerodrome. We are discussing how to modernize this aerodrome and the questions of aids with Azerbaijan. I want to stress that this is not the US’s initiative and it has nothing to do with us. The US can help if necessary,"US Public Affairs Officer to Azerbaijan Jonathan Henick told the APA.

As to the increasing of radars installed in Azerbaijan recently Mr. Henick said that they are given to Azerbaijani servicemen. "The main aim of these radars is to control Caspian Basin. This is not directed to neighboring countries. I have no information about new radars," he said.

Jonathan Henick touched upon the role of the US in the security of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. Saying that the countries through which the pipeline passes are responsible for its security, the official noted Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline will create energy security in the region. "One of the dimensions of partnership in the sphere of security is to provide the responsible forces with equipment and train them. There may be strong partnership in this field," Mr. Henick said.