Azernews.Az

By Rashid Shirinov

On the background of increasing threats to stability globally, formation of new shields of cooperation seems more logical than ever.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, sharing one and the same region by the destiny, now think over strengthening military cooperation. The three countries enjoy favorable economic partnership, necessitating for extending the cooperation in other strategically important spheres. Defense and security remain the key milestone for every beginning and smart approach can be promising for further achievements.

Currently, the three countries try to actively cooperate in the military sphere. Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia developed a trilateral format in 2014, which involves meetings at the level of defense ministers. At the meeting in Gabala in May 2016, the ministers decided to hold trilateral military exercises.

The Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia cooperation is highly important because together the three countries can more successfully resist external threats. Additionally, many international projects, mainly energy and transport ones, are connected with the region – it is literally a crossroad of international corridors. In such conditions, it is crucial to ensure protection of the region.

Moreover, the Armenia-launched Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Armenian terrorism towards Azerbaijan threatens stability and security in the region. In general, peoples of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia live in a sensitive region, where threats of undesirable actions exist. Therefore, the situation must be always kept under control.

Another issue of protection is the fact that all three countries have considerably developed their tourism industries. The states are being visited by millions of tourists every year, and their safety, as well as the safety of local population, should be protected at the highest level.

With all these reasons, the decision of cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia is very important as it protects the region from dangers and facilitates its further development.

With the aim of discussing the military-political situation in the region and regional security issues, the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, Zakir Hasanov, Levan Izoria and Fikri Isik held a trilateral meeting in Batumi on May 23. At the meeting, the ministers also exchanged views on the prospects for tripartite military cooperation.

Noting the negative impact of international terrorism and aggressive separatism on peace, stability and development in the region, the sides stressed the importance of joint actions to confront threats directed against the security of states.

Zakir Hasanov condemned the recent terrorist attack in Manchester and said that the Azerbaijani government takes a tough stance against terrorism. He noted that the killing of civilians in terrorist attacks poses a threat to stability, international cooperation and peace. Azerbaijan's Defense Minister stressed the need for a joint fight against terrorism.

During the meeting, the ministers also considered the prospects for cooperation in the military sphere, in the field of military education and military medicine, as well as conducting of joint military exercises and a number of other issues of mutual interest. At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a joint protocol.

In early May, Azerbaijani and Turkish Armed Forces held joint military exercises, and all three defense ministers observed a stage of the exercises. On May 22, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria announced that Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan plan to hold joint military drills in June and September 2017. Joint exercises of three countries play an important role in strengthening the capabilities of their armed forces.

Thus, the military cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia is extremely important – not only for development of trilateral relations, but also for performing a stabilizing function to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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