A meeting of the President of Georgia and the Minister of National Defense of Turkey was held at the Batumi Public Service Hall today. The sides spoke about the importance of future cooperation in the defense sphere and reforms implemented in the defense sphere of Georgia. The conversation also touched on successful service of Georgian soldiers in the Afghanistan ISAF mission and regional security. The President thanked the Defense Minister for special support and active cooperation and noted that the relationship of Georgia and Turkey is exemplary.

“Relations with Turkey are developing very dynamically including in the defense sphere. You know that the year of 2014 has been named the year of NATO expansion and a real chance has appeared for Georgia to become a member, which in its turn will guarantee long term security. Turkey is one of the main supporters of our integration in NATO for which we are very grateful. This is a historic chance for Georgia, for the region, and our cordial neighborly relations. For Georgia it is a chance to be secure within this big organization and for us to be its full member. This has become more realistic recently than ever. We are also grateful for the fact that we never ceased cooperation with Turkey even in the hardest times in all spheres, including 2008; especially in the defense sphere. This was a sign of real friendship, support, and cordial neighborly relations from Turkey. So, once again accept great gratitude” – stated the President.

In his turn, the Minister of National Defense of Turkey expressed full support of Georgia’s integration in NATO and its territorial integrity.

“Georgia’s integration in NATO is a guarantee of security in the region. Turkey openly expressed support of Georgia’s territorial integrity at the NATO Summit in Chicago and we will always provide support in this direction. We will do everything for Georgia to become a member of NATO. We are reiterating this position at meetings of every international organization. We will do everything to make cooperation denser in this sphere” – stated İsmet Yılmaz, who especially distinguished the projects that our countries are implementing jointly. According to him, the mutual usage of the Batumi airport is a clear example of what kind of relationship exists between the governments of Georgia and Turkey.

During the meeting the President of Georgia familiarized the guest with ongoing and future projects in Georgia.

İsmet Yılmaz learned about the digital services of the Public Service Hall which have become available as a result of reforms in the public sector.