Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia to Increase Military Cooperation

Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey will deepen trilateral cooperation in the field of defense. The agreement was reached on 15 May at the fourth trilateral meeting of defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia - Zakir Hasanov, Ismet Yilmaz and Tinatin Khidasheli.

 Upon completion of the talks, the ministers held a press conference.

According to Hasanov, the ministers underlined the effectiveness of the tripartite format of military cooperation and discussed prospects for development of relations.

 In order to increase the combat capability of the Armed Forces of the three countries they considered expedient to conduct joint exercises, the organization of cooperation in the field of military education, and the development of relations in the field of cyber security.

The ministers also agreed to cooperate in the improvement of the protection of oil and gas pipelines and to carry out joint exercises for that.

 The sides also plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of defense between the three countries. "This document will define the legal framework of our cooperation and form the basis of a new phase of trilateral cooperation. In the future, this format is planned to implement new initiatives and projects," said Hasanov

 During the talks they also discussed the military-political situation in the region and issues of regional security, Hasanov added.

The Karabakh settlement was also discussed.

 The sides stressed the importance of settlement of the conflict within the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. -06D--