Expressing his pleasure to be in Shusha, the heart of Azerbaijani culture, Minister Güler stated that Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia are three friendly and neighboring countries connected to each other by common history, common geography, mutual trust and strong bonds of friendship.
Güler pointed out that the strong ties between the three countries have turned into an increasingly deepening multi-dimensional strategic cooperation and noted that the South Caucasus is going through a significant transformation process.
Stating that they are following the recent developments regarding the establishment of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia with pleasure, Güler said, "We believe that this new period will lead to the emergence of new cooperation opportunities in the South Caucasus with the joint efforts of the countries in the region. At this point, Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia cooperation is of special importance." he said.
Güler said that the current energy, transportation and communication projects between the three countries make significant contributions not only to economic development but also to regional security and stability, adding, "Ensuring the security of these projects is the common responsibility of our countries." he said.
Stating that activities such as joint exercises, training and experience sharing between the armed forces of the three countries are a reflection of this responsibility on the field, Güler said:
"The security of the Caucasus cannot be considered separately from the security of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia. With this understanding, I would like to express once again our strong support for the independence and territorial integrity of Georgia and Azerbaijan. We are ready to take the existing trust and solidarity between the three countries to even higher levels in the coming period to serve the peace, security, stability and prosperity of the Caucasus."
Minister Güler also held bilateral meetings with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Çikovani.
The 13th Meeting of Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Georgia Trilateral Defense Ministers was held in Shusha, Azerbaijan. Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler and Georgian Minister of Defense Irakli Çikovani attended the meeting hosted by Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov.
At the end of the event, where military and defense cooperation between the three countries was discussed, Güler, Hasanov and Çikovani signed the meeting protocol.
In his statement to the press after the meeting, Hasanov stated that the meeting was a clear indication of friendship, partnership and strategic dialogue between the three countries.
Stating that it is of great importance to hold such meetings regularly, Hasanov stated that the meeting was productive.
Hasanov said that friendship and strategic relations between the countries have developed successfully in various fields, including defense, and stated that the perspectives for the development of bilateral and trilateral cooperation, the effectiveness of the activities carried out, the military and political processes in the region and the importance of joint cooperation were discussed at the meeting.
Emphasizing that coordination and mutual cooperation between countries are of particular importance in the face of increasing political tension in the world, emerging difficulties and economic uncertainties, Hasanov said, "The Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey trilateral cooperation format is an important platform for regional stability, security and development." he said.
Hasanov stated that they are satisfied with the development momentum of the cooperation and that they aim to further expand and deepen the relations with joint efforts, adding: "Our cooperation based on mutual respect, good neighborly relations and trust is of great importance in ensuring peace, stability and security in the region." he said.
