/By AzerNews/

By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan and Turkey praised development of military cooperation between the two countries in recent years, as Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov met Turkish Minister of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz in Istanbul on December 17.

The meeting took place within the framework of the trilateral meeting of Azerbaijani, Turkish and Georgian defense ministers, the Azerbaijani defense ministry reported.

The Azerbaijani and Turkish ministers stressed the constant development of military cooperation between the two countries, and hailed the development of the strategic partnership based on the fraternal and friendly relations.

The sides highlighted the signing of the final protocol on the results of the eighth meeting of the Azerbaijan-Turkey High-Level Military Dialogue.

They further discussed a number of issues on the prospects of developing the relations between the armed forces of both countries, the development of the cooperation in the military, military-technical spheres and the sphere of military education.

Baku and Ankara enjoy strategic relations in many fields, including the military. Military cooperation between these two neighboring nations dates back to 1992 when they signed an agreement on military education. Since then, the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments have been closely cooperating in both defense and security fields.

In December 2010, both countries signed a range of treaties provisioning for military assistance should any of the party be attacked by third party. Based on numerous agreements on joint military exercises as part of bilateral progressive efforts towards military cooperation, the Azerbaijani and Turkish armed forces have hold regular drills, featuring various tactical and combat tasks so far.

The joint tactical exercises entitled "TurAz Qartali-2015" of the Azerbaijani and Turkish Armies were held in Azerbaijan in September. The exercises, which were conducted as part of an annual joint military plan, lasted until September 18. The joint military exercises TURAZ Qartal?, TURAZ Shahini and drills of the Land Forces are a good example of the level of cooperation between the armies of both countries.