Ankara, Tbilisi and Baku Strengthen Defense Ties

Baku / 01.04.18 / Turan: The sixth session of the defense ministers of Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan was held in the Turkish province of Giresun, Anadolu agency reported.

Following the meeting, the heads of defense departments held a joint press conference.

Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria noted Tbilisi's readiness for further rapprochement with NATO countries.

Recalling joint military exercises held in 2017, the Georgian Minister noted that last year made a significant contribution to strengthening cooperation in the defense sector. "Tbilisi is ready to further develop regional cooperation," said Izoriya, also appreciating the position of Ankara and Baku on the inviolability of Georgia's territorial integrity.

"We perceive Turkey and Azerbaijan as strategic partners. To achieve these goals, the high level of training of the armed forces is of special importance," the Georgian Minister said, reminding that more than a thousand officers from Georgia had taken various courses in Turkey.

In turn, Azerbaijani Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov said the Azerbaijani people support Turkey in the fight against manifestations of terrorism.

According to Hasanov, the meeting in Giresun was fruitful and the parties agreed on a number of issues. The Minister expressed his confidence in the further deepening of cooperation between the three countries in the field of defense.

The Azerbaijani Defense Minister pointed to the possibility of holding new joint events with the participation of representatives of the Armed Forces of the three countries.

Following the meeting, the Defense Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding. -06D--