Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia Sign Trilateral Defense Protocol

Defense ministers from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia convened in Shusha, Azerbaijan, on October 2 for the 13th trilateral meeting of their nations. The officials signed a protocol focused on regional security, military cooperation, and the protection of shared energy, transportation, and communications infrastructure.

Yaşar Güler, the Turkish Defense Minister, stated that the security of the Caucasus is inseparable from the security of the three participating nations. He expressed Türkiye's support for the independence and territorial integrity of both Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Prior to the trilateral session, Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Georgian Defense Minister Irakli Chikovani held bilateral talks to discuss expanding joint military exercises. Both ministers emphasized that their cooperation contributes to regional peace and stability.

The diplomatic meetings coincided with joint military exercises involving more than 3,500 personnel from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, Türkiye and Azerbaijan recently finalized defense contracts exceeding $500 million, which include the delivery of 14 Hürkuş-II trainer aircraft.