By Rashid Shirinov

Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan plan to hold joint military drills in June and September 2017, said Levan Izoria, Georgian Defense Minister.

Izoria made the remarks after a meeting with Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov in Tbilisi on May 22. The meeting focused on the issues relating to the strengthening of military cooperation in the field of defense and exchange of experience in the military sphere.

The sides also discussed the format of trilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, as well as the protection of strategic transport structures.

“The dynamics of this trilateral cooperation is very positive and growing. This year we will have joint exercises. Approximately after two weeks, the special operation forces of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey, will hold joint exercises,” said Izoria, adding that in September, military computer exercises will also be held.

Georgian media outlets report that Izoria, Hasanov, as well as Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik will hold a trilateral ministerial meeting in Batumi on May 23.

The Turkish-Georgian-Azerbaijani military drills Caucasus Eagle with participation of the three countries’ special operations forces will reportedly be held in Turkey from June 4 to June 14, 2017.

Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey actively cooperate in the military sphere. The countries developed a trilateral format in 2014, involving meetings at the level of defense ministers.

The last such meeting was held in Gabala in May 2016, where the sides decided to hold trilateral military exercises.

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

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