Turkey supports Georgia’s territorial integrity

By Sarp Ozer

TBILISI

Turkish National Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli on Saturday said his country believes Georgia's Abkhazia and South Ossetia disputes can be resolved on the basis of the country’s internationally recognized borders.

Canikli was in Georgian capital Tbilisi to attend events on the country's 100th foundation anniversary.

During his visit to Georgia, Canikli attended a meeting at Georgian parliament where he said Turkey supports Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In a statement, Turkish Foreign Ministry said Turkey strongly supports Georgia's territorial integrity and doesn't recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia's so-called independences.

"As Turkey, we believe Abkhazia and South Ossetia disputes will be solved within Georgia's internationally recognized borders and on the basis of country's territorial integrity and sovereignty," Canikli said.

He noted that Turkey is still supporting Georgia's NATO membership and integration to other Europe Atlantic organizations.

Georgia has long lobbied for membership in the EU and NATO, aspirations that were exacerbated by Russia’s 2008 invasion that resulted in the separation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Tbilisi’s control.

Tbilisi fought a five-day war with Russia in 2008 over the territories but lost control of both. Russia later recognized both South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states.