Georgian-Turkish relations are "exemplary" for entire region and Europe, President Saakashvili said on May 17 standing alongside with Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Georgia's Black Sea town of Batumi, close to the Turkish border.

"I've had very good relations with many of the leaders; Georgia has a very close cooperation with many countries, but it is an exemplary for the entire Europe and for the entire region how Turkey cooperates with Georgia," Saakashvili said.

PM Erdogan arrived in Batumi on Monday evening from Azerbaijani capital, Baku, where he arrived on May 17 after holding talks in Tehran, where a deal was reached on Iranian nuclear program. A formal reason of the arrival was "to see" a newly built Sheraton hotel in Batumi, which was developed through Turkish investments.

"I have not seen such a prompt resolution of issues, such effective inter-governmental cooperation as we have with Turkey and this is thanks to PM Erdogan," Saakashvili said. "The Turkish government gives an example that no matter of the global crisis, if the government and people are strong... it is always possible to improve the situation."

Saakashvili awarded the Turkish PM, whom he described as Georgia's and his "great friend", with Order of Golden Fleece for his contribution to development of bilateral relations.