President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı, and representatives of Turkish businesses.
The Head of State expressed gratitude for the visit, emphasizing that it was a result of agreements reached during his meeting with President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy briefed the attendees on Ukraine’s efforts to bring a just and lasting peace closer, noting that Ukraine has taken its step toward a 30-day ceasefire. Now, Russia must prove its commitment to peace. Türkiye can play a role in this process.
In addition, the meeting focused on the development of bilateral relations.
"We see Türkiye as one of our strategic partners. We are very grateful that Turkish businesses are already present in Ukraine," the President said.
The Head of State praised the companies that began operating in Ukraine even before Russia’s full-scale invasion and expressed appreciation for the supply of Bayraktar drones.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that over the past three years, Ukraine has expanded its domestic production of various types of drones and is interested in cooperation in this area, as well as in the participation of Turkish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction.
"The countries that will be security guarantors for Ukraine will have priority in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. We consider Türkiye one of our partners in terms of security guarantees for Ukraine," the President stated.
Additionally, the Head of State reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye during President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit.
Turkish Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat noted that trade volume between the two countries currently stands at $6 billion, with plans to increase it to $10 billion. He also mentioned that Turkish construction companies are currently implementing around 100 projects in Ukraine.
"Economic relations between Türkiye and Ukraine will develop in many sectors: energy, construction, etc.," the Minister of Trade added.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı confirmed Türkiye’s interest in strengthening cooperation in the agricultural sector, emphasizing Ukraine’s vital role in ensuring global food security.