Azernews.Az

By Sabina Idayatova

Turkey recognizes Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said at a press conference with his Georgian counterpart Maia Panjikidze in Tbilisi on Wednesday during his first official visit after a change of power in Georgia.

Davutoglu was commenting on the question about Turkish ships' frequent raids to Georgia's rebel region Abkhazia and their detention by Georgian border guards.

"The topic was discussed at today's meeting, too. Georgia is one of the most important countries in the Caucasus. I hope that progressive steps will soon be made to resolve the conflict [in the territory of Georgia]," he said.

On March 20, Georgian border guards detained in international waters the Turkish ship Aydar carrying a cargo of fish meal and fish oil, which was en route from the unrecognized republic of Abkhazia to the Turkish port of Trabzon. The detained sailors were accused of violating the Georgian legislaton "On occupied territories" and were detained in Poti.

Davutoglu noted that Turkey has always stated its position on the territirial integrity of the neighboring country and would like to see the resolution of the conflict in Georgia based on this principle.

As for the ships, this problem will be resolved soon within the existing Georgian-Turkish relations, he added.

Davutoglu also voiced hope for a favorable solution of the issue on the construction of a mosque in Batumi, regarding it as 'a friendship bridge between the two countries'.

"We are working together over the issue of churches located in Turkey and Ottoman monuments in Georgia. A protocol is under development. Monuments located in Turkey -- be it a mosque or a church -- are our cultural heritage, and we are ready to assist in their rehabilitation. Hopefully, Georgia adheres to the same position," Davutoglu said.

Davutoglu also noted the presence of a large Abkhazian diaspora in Turkey.

The minister said that trade between the two countries has reached $1.5 billion.

Davutoglu said further, "It is highly important for Georgians and Turks to visit each other's territory without visas."

During the meeting with the Georgian FM, Davutoglu discussed intensification of the relations between the two countries.

Panjikidze said Turkey is Georgia's strategic partner and the government intends to contribute to further intensifying the relations in all areas.

Important issues, including further plans for economic cooperation and regional projects, were discussed at the meeting. Panjikidze stressed the need for frequent exchange of top officials' visits.

Davutoglu said during the meeting that the two countries have historical relations and they will continue in the future, adding that Turkey and Georgia are implementing a number of projects. Davutoglu also touched upon the activity of Turkish investors in Georgia.

Davutoglu stressed that Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili's visit to Turkey was important and successful and a lot of important issues were discussed.

On the same day, Ivanishvili held a meeting with Davutoglu.

According to Ivanishvili's press-service, the sides discussed the friendly relations between the two countries and the prospects of intensifying bilateral cooperation.

Georgian Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze attended the meeting.

Turkey recognized Georgia's independence immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union on December 16, 1991. Regular high-level visits are carried out between the two countries. Furthermore, Turkey is the biggest trade partner of Georgia.

Strategic projects such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline and Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum (BTE) natural gas pipeline are of utmost importance for the two countries. Additionally, the timely finalization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway project will provide a new impetus to regional cooperation.

The two countries have exemplary relations and close cooperation in a wide range of areas -- from energy to trade -- and from economics to education and culture.