UPDATE -Turkish defense chief stresses Ankara’s strong support for independence, territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Georgia

UPDATES WITH REMARKS BY TURKISH NATIONAL DEFENSE MINISTER, CHANGES HEAD, DECK, LEDE

By Esra Tekin, Ruslan Rehimov and Davit Kachkachishvili

ISTANBUL / BATUM (AA) – Türkiye’s National Defense Minister Yasar Guler on Tuesday stressed Ankara’s strong support for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Guler paid a visit to the Georgian port city of Batumi to attend the trilateral defense ministers’ of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye.

"During the meeting, we reiterated our strong support for the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Georgia,” Guler told reporters after signing the tripartite agreement.

“We once again reaffirmed our commitment to elevating the cooperation between our countries, which have deep historical ties and connections, to the highest level in every field,” Guler added.

Stressing the importance of peace in South Caucasia, he said that Caucasia has critical importance for regional and global security due to its historical and strategic location.

“The strong cooperation between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia not only serves the common interests and expectations of our countries but also makes a significant contribution to the peace and stability of the Caucasus,” he added.

Guler said the importance of strengthening relations between the countries was emphasized through the agreement signed after the meeting.

“With the tripartite agreement, we have reaffirmed our commitment to further developing this exemplary close and strong cooperation. I believe that this synergy among us will pave the way for new collaborations and partnerships in the period ahead,” he added.

Before the meeting, Guler held separate meetings with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani in Batumi.