Saakashvili backs Azerbaijan: “A courageous step!”

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has praised the introduction of a uniform dress code for students in Azerbaijani schools.

TodayPress TV reports that Saakashvili made the remarks in a post on his social media account.

He described the move as an important step towards strengthening the secular state.

Saakashvili said it was important to reinforce Azerbaijan’s position as a secular state and prevent Islamist forces from expanding their influence.

He also stated that Iran’s ability to exert influence in Azerbaijan had been limited, while stressing that Iran was actively influencing the religious radicalisation of ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia.

According to the former president, this process poses a serious threat to Georgia’s statehood and territorial integrity.

Saakashvili emphasised that the activities of Islamist forces in Georgia pose a threat not only to that country but also to Azerbaijan and the region as a whole.