The defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia held their 13th trilateral meeting in Shusha, discussing regional security and ways to strengthen military cooperation.

The meeting brought together Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Türkiye’s National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Georgia’s Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani, according to Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry.

Hasanov highlighted the importance of the close and friendly relations between the leaders of the three countries in maintaining strong cooperation.

He said their joint efforts had transformed the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Türkiye partnership into an effective regional mechanism that contributes to peace, security and stability and could serve as an example for other countries.

The ministers stressed the need to coordinate efforts to address modern challenges and potential threats to regional security. They also discussed expanding trilateral military exercises and training programs.

The officials expressed confidence that deeper defense cooperation would benefit not only Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Georgia but also the wider region.

Their discussions covered military and military-technical cooperation, military education and military medicine. The ministers also exchanged proposals on further expanding ties between the three countries.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a protocol, followed by a joint press conference.

Speaking to the media, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov highlighted the value of the trilateral meetings and expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation. He said Baku, Ankara and Tbilisi intend to continue expanding and deepening their military ties.