JAKARTA - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy considers Turkey a partner in security guarantees for his country. Kyiv stressed Zelenskyy was ready to ratify the free trade agreement between the two countries.
Turkey, a NATO member, has balance relations with Kyiv and Moscow since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Turkey has maintained good relations with the two, supported Ukraine militarily and supported its territorial integrity, while refusing to join sanctions against Russia.
As Europe struggled to strengthen its own defenses and security, Turkey emerged as a key potential security partner.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy met with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolit and Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli in Kyiv, and discussed bilateral relations, cooperation in drone production, and involvement of Turkish companies in Ukraine reconstruction.
"It is important for Turkish companies to be present in Ukraine. Our country appreciates this, as well as Turkey's support and assistance, especially the supply of Bayraktar unmanned aircraft," Zelenskyy said on X.
"Ukraine considers Turkey as one of its strategic partners, as well as partners in terms of security guarantees, and is ready to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Turkey during President (Tayyip) Erdogan's upcoming visit," he added.
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Bolat and Yumakli also attended the first meeting of the task force between Turkey and Ukraine for the reconstruction of the country after the war.
Bolat told X the meeting was attended by more than 20 companies in the Turkish contract and technical consultation sector as well as representatives of the country and the private sector of Ukraine involved in the country's reconstruction.
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