Georgia, Turkey to further develop military ties

Turkey is expected to contribute $3-4 million to Georgian defense expenditures next year.

In a special interview with Cihan’s Tbilisi correspondent, Tevzadze said: "It is Georgia’s aim to have successful joint programs with Turkey. Turkey and Georgia have been holding joint training programs for both Georgian and Turkish Special Forces. The two countries are working together in the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) as well as in other joint projects. Georgian military cooperation with Turkey is very good."

Referring to a visit to Georgia by the Turkish Army’s Chief of Staff Personnel, Ismail Hakki Pekin, Tevzadze said that they had exchanged ideas about Turkish-Georgian military cooperation, personnel exchange programs and joint training between the two armies.

Georgian Deputy Minister of Defense Gen. Tamaz Dumbazde said: "I am happy with the close military relations between Turkey and Georgia. Friendly relations will continue, and Georgia will be a good partner in all aspects of its relationship with Turkey.

"Whatever government comes to power, Turkey and Georgia should remain on friendly terms. There will be no change in good military relations and those in other areas. Georgia first initiated its close military relationship with Turkey when Gen. Tskitishvili and I visited Turkey in 1993."