On April 24, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, while receiving the Minister of Defense of Georgia, Juansher Burchuladze, emphasized that the relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia are developing successfully in various fields, including the military sphere.
Later, the Head of State and the Minister of Defense of Georgia discussed cooperation prospects and regional security issues.
In addition, J. Burchuladze, who met with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov, signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense between the governments of Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In what direction will the military cooperation between the two neighboring countries in the South Caucasus develop? What perspectives will this cooperation reveal?
Giorgi Koberidze, Professor of International Relations and Security at the Georgian Institute of Public Relations (GIPA), who spoke to Ednews, noted that Azerbaijan and Turkey are regarded as allies by Georgia.
“Bilateral (or trilateral) cooperation, thus, ensures both states' security. Based on their three-decade-long relationship, Georgia and Azerbaijan's military cooperation is a logical development.”
G. Koberidze also said that Russia's intrusion into the region is one of the security issues that Georgia and Azerbaijan both face. Cooperation in the economy also an important issue:
“Protection of economic interests is a component of military security in the South Caucasus. For foreign partners who view Azerbaijan and Georgia as the only reliable energy and trade corridors, economic security is crucial.”
The professor also spoke about the benefits of military cooperation for both countries:
“As for military cooperation, this may mean both joint exercises and information exchange in the field of security.Additionally, strengthening ties between Georgia and Azerbaijan sends a clear message to other countries that peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus are entirely possible.”
Ulviyya Shahin
