Turkey and Georgia strengthen security cooperation and extradition efforts

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi visited Tbilisi, Georgia, to strengthen security cooperation and combat transnational organized crime. During meetings with Georgian Interior Minister Sulkhan Tamazashvili, the two nations emphasized the importance of joint efforts against new-generation criminal organizations that utilize digital technologies to operate across borders.

As a result of ongoing cooperation, 866 individuals have been extradited to Turkey or deported through coordination with Georgian authorities, with 438 such cases occurring in 2026 alone. A recent joint operation conducted on August 23-24 led to the apprehension of 22 suspects listed on Interpol red notices, 11 of whom were immediately extradited to Turkey.

Furthermore, the Turkish Police Academy and the Georgian Public Security and Police Academy signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance academic and operational ties. This agreement aims to expand training and scientific cooperation involving the Turkish General Directorate of Security, Gendarmerie General Command, and Coast Guard Command.