Georgian PM Ivanishvili visits Turkey, discusses Military cooperation and good Neighbor relations

Following a preparation meeting on February 8 between Foreign Minister Maia Panjikidze and Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Levent Murat Burhan, the Prime Minister of Georgia Bidniza Ivanishvili paid a visit to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, on February 13.

He met with his counterpart Recep Tayip Erdogan which whom he talked about prospects of further deepening of economic and political relations between the two countries. He did the same with President of Turkey Adbullah Gul which whom he extensively tackled regional issues. Mr Ivanishvili also met the chairperson of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (Meclis) Cemil Cicek. The two delegations welcomed the "warm and amicable environment" of their meetings, and expressed "their hope of further deepening of good neighbor relations policy."

Most relevant discussions were about the building of a new mosque in Batumi, the capital city of Georgia where the Ottoman Empire had ruled for about 300 years, the conduct of joint military exercises and Turkey's support to Georgia's aspirations to join NATO. Over the last years, Turkey has become a major investor in Georgia with bilateral trade worth USD 1 billion in 2012, and the Trans-Anatolian gas pipeline (TANAP) which will transport natural gas from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey to Europe.

That's why the two countries share a same interest in enhancing good bilateral relationship. Besides the Georgian delegation was important since it included Ms Panjikidze, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Minister of Defense Irakli Alasania, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Kakha Kaladze, Head of the partnership foundation Irakli Kovzanadze, and representatives of the Ministries of Finance and culture.

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