The First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, and the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, Ömer Bolat, discussed the finalization of the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement on mutually beneficial terms for both countries. They also addressed issues related to improving mutually beneficial trade conditions, expanding cooperation between Ukrainian and Turkish businesses, strengthening control over compliance with sanctions against Russia, issues of food security within the framework of President Zelensky's Peace Formula, and Turkey's role in ensuring navigation safety and demining the Black Sea area. The meeting took place during the visit of the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul. Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine and Trade Representative of Ukraine, Taras Kachka, also participated in the bilateral discussion.
"We are grateful to Turkey for supporting Ukraine and highly appreciate the political, military, and humanitarian assistance provided, as well as the mediation in the exchange of prisoners of war. We hope to strengthen and develop the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Turkey in all areas. We hope for active participation and leadership from Turkey in the food security component and assistance in further involving other countries, including the Global South, in this work. Thanks to joint efforts, we have been able to restore freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and significantly increase exports through the corridor in territorial waters. Turkey is already de facto a hub for supplying our grain to other countries. For example, through Turkey, we sent ships with grain to African countries, including 25,000 tons to Nigeria and 15,000 tons to Sudan. We hope for Turkey's continued active participation in the Grain from Ukraine initiative," emphasized Yulia Svyrydenko.
According to her, the complete restoration of navigation security in the Black Sea is a common interest of Ukraine and Turkey. No state has the right to restrict it. The restoration of ferry connections between the ports of Ukraine and Turkey should become another important element in strengthening food security.
The parties also discussed issues of bilateral trade and the implementation of a free trade zone following the ratification of the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and Turkey. This decision still needs to be approved by the Ukrainian parliament.
"The implementation of the free trade zone should harmonize mutual trade, simplify logistics, facilitate the entry of more Ukrainian and Turkish producers into our markets, and open up new prospects for implementing joint economic projects between the countries. After the ratification of the agreement, all Black Sea coastal countries, except Russia, will be united in a single economic space. To ensure that such cooperation is mutually beneficial, we discussed ways to further improve joint trade, including within the framework of Ukraine's reconstruction and integration into the European Union," explained Yulia Svyrydenko.
Another topic of discussion was attracting investments from Turkish private businesses for Ukraine's reconstruction, as well as the possibility of providing Turkish investors in Ukraine with affordable insurance against military risks and export guarantees.
The parties also discussed measures to prevent the circumvention of sanctions through the use of Turkish companies. Ukraine expects Turkey to continue taking measures to block the supply of dual-use goods that Russia uses for military purposes.
"It is important for us to continue joint efforts to eliminate loopholes that undermine the sanctions policy against Russia. We also discussed with the Turkish colleague the illegal export of over 4.5 million tons of Ukrainian grain from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine by Russia. We ask the Turkish authorities to take appropriate measures to stop the import or transit through Turkey of stolen Ukrainian grain. Ukraine also insists that measures be taken against companies, ships, and their owners involved in this," continued Yulia Svyrydenko.
During the visit to Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation also met with the leadership of the Turkish Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK). This organization brings together leading local enterprises that establish foreign economic ties with foreign businesses. Many companies within DEIK are already present in Ukraine, and some are considering investing in the Ukrainian economy. Therefore, the parties discussed the possibilities of developing and expanding the presence of Turkish producers who manufacture products with high added value in Ukraine.
"Today, key priorities for Ukraine are attracting investments to strengthen the country's security capabilities both during the war and post-war reconstruction, which will contribute to the rebuilding and recovery of our state. Private capital is an integral part of Ukraine's recovery and sustainable growth," noted Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine and Trade Representative of Ukraine Taras Kachka.
