The trilateral cooperation format between Georgia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan provides the three countries with an effective mechanism to coordinate efforts and advance their shared interests, Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili said following a meeting with her Turkish and Azerbaijani counterparts in Istanbul.
Speaking at a joint press conference after the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers, Bochorishvili described the partnership among the three countries as a successful model of regional cooperation built on mutual trust, equality and shared interests.
“I am pleased to join my colleagues in reaffirming the close political dialogue, mutual trust, and strategic importance of cooperation between our countries,” Bochorishvili said, thanking Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his team for hosting the meeting.
Georgian foreign minister claimed that the three countries have demonstrated over many years that cooperation based on mutual respect and common interests can deliver tangible results for both the region and individual states.
She pointed to major infrastructure, energy and transport projects implemented jointly by Georgia, Türkiye and Azerbaijan as evidence of the success of the partnership, noting that they have become vital not only for the participating countries but for the wider region.
Bochorishvili said the trilateral format has evolved into one of the most effective regional cooperation mechanisms and remains particularly important amid current international challenges.
“Given the challenges within the contemporary international environment, the trilateral format provides us with the opportunity to work in a coordinated manner to realise our shared interests,” she stated.
The ministers discussed regional and global developments, current challenges and prospects for further strengthening cooperation. At the conclusion of the meeting, they signed the Istanbul Declaration outlining key directions for future collaboration.
Bochorishvili highlighted the strategic partnerships Georgia maintains with both Türkiye and Azerbaijan, describing the relationships as being based on good-neighbourliness and trust. She noted that Türkiye and Azerbaijan remain Georgia’s largest trading partners, with cooperation spanning political, economic, transport, energy, defence, cultural and technological sectors.
Regional security and peace were among the key topics discussed during the meeting.
“We underscored that sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus constitute a vital prerequisite both for regional development and for broader international security,” Bochorishvili said.
The Georgian foreign minister welcomed the positive dynamics in relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expressed hope that ongoing efforts would contribute to the establishment of lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
She also welcomed progress in the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia and reiterated Georgia’s readiness to continue contributing to regional peace, stability and constructive cooperation.
“Our shared goal is to transform our region into a space of cooperation, economic development, connectivity and prosperity,” Bochorishvili stated.
The minister also raised the issue of Russia’s occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, describing it as a security challenge not only for Georgia but for the wider region.
“International support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is of paramount importance, and I would like to extend my thanks once again to the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan for their steadfast support,” Bochorishvili said.
