Ankara: Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov met with his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Chikovani, in Ankara to discuss enhancing military cooperation and expanding joint exercises. The meeting occurred during Hasanov's visit to Turkey for the 12th trilateral meeting of the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministers highlighted that military cooperation between Baku and Tbilisi contributes to peace, stability, and security in the region. They emphasized the importance of regular high-level meetings in strengthening ties.

The discussions also focused on new prospects for defense partnership, underlining the need to intensify joint exercises. This would facilitate experience exchange and improve interoperability between the two armed forces. The ministers agreed that enhancing cooperation through trilateral and bilateral formats is crucial for sustainable peace and prosperity in the region.

Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey established the trilateral defense mechanism in 2012 to bolster regional security, coordination, and defense cooperation.