On June 2, a flag-raising ceremony for the State Flag of Azerbaijan was held at the NATO Maritime Security Centre of Excellence (NATO COE MS), located in Istanbul, Turkiye.

Axar.az reports, citing the Ministry of Defense.

At the ceremony, which was attended by the personnel of the Centre, the State Flag of Azerbaijan was raised, accompanied by the Azerbaijani National Anthem.

In his speech at the event, the head of the NATO Centre of Excellence for Maritime Security, Captain 1st Class Mehmet Cengiz Ekren, emphasized the role of maritime security in global trade, international cooperation, and collective security, highlighting its critical importance in today’s globalized world.

It was also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s accession to the NATO Centre of Excellence for Maritime Security (NATO COE MS) as the fifth member is a significant milestone and a reflection of its commitment to shaping the future of maritime security alongside the current member states — Türkiye, Greece, Portugal, and Romania.

The speech also highlighted with confidence that Captain 3rd Class Muradov Murad Eldar oglu, appointed to the position of “EDU/007 – Education Staff Officer” at the NATO COE MS for a three-year term starting in 2025, will successfully apply the experience he gains during his service to benefit his home country.

At the end of the ceremony, a commemorative gift was presented to the Azerbaijani officer in honor of Azerbaijan joining the NATO COE MS as a contributing country.