Azerbaijan Considers Joining Saudi-Led Anti-Terrorism Coalition - Reports

Azeri Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his Saudi counterpart Adel Jubeir have discussed Baku's possible joining the Riyadh-led anti-terrorist coalition of 34 mainly Muslim countries, the Azeri media reported Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Azeri Foreign Ministry's spokesman Hikmat Hajiyev was quoted by the APA news agency as saying that the ministers discussed this issue during a telephone conversation.

"This issue is currently being considered. As the state, having suffered from terrorism, Azerbaijan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," Hajiyev said.

According to the spokesman, the country's participation in any structure has to be considered from a position of the requirement of interstate procedures, in accordance with the Azeri legislation.

On Tuesday, Saudi Defence Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Saud announced that Riyadh had formed a military coalition of 34 countries to coordinate fight against international terrorism. The coalition is expected to involve Middle Eastern, African and Asian states, including Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan and others.