PRESS RELEASE : Ukraine looks forward to close cooperation with Turkey in energy, infrastructure, technology and defense – President

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 3 February 2022.

Ukraine expects active participation of Turkish companies in joint projects in the defense and aviation sectors, infrastructure and energy. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a statement to the media following talks with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Kyiv.

“Today, cooperation in the field of infrastructure and investment is actively developing. Ukraine is creating favorable conditions for foreign business by adopting a number of relevant, very important laws. We expect the work of Turkish companies in Ukraine to become even more active. “Both in the framework of the Large Construction program and in new important joint projects, to which we will provide as much support as possible,” the Ukrainian President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that special attention was paid to cooperation in the defense and aviation industries during today’s talks.

“This is one of the locomotives of our strategic partnership. Our goal is to implement specific projects, create joint ventures, exchange experience and technologies,” he said.

The President noted that today Ukraine and Turkey had signed an agreement that would significantly expand the production of Baykar Makina unmanned aerial vehicles in our country.

“These are new technologies, new jobs, strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” the President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine wants to give a new impetus to cooperation with Turkey in the energy sector.

“I am confident that the result of the talks will be a practical result that will strengthen the security of our country, enhance the energy security of our countries and the region,” he said.

The Ukrainian President stressed that despite the restrictions related to COVID-19, a record number of Ukrainian tourists visited Turkey last year – about two million.

“For my part, I am pleased that the number of guests from Turkey is growing every year in Ukraine,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to the President, visiting each other’s countries, the citizens of Ukraine and Turkey feel hospitality, comfort, security and respect.

The President commended Turkey’s intention to increase its diplomatic presence in Ukraine and establish consulates general in Kharkiv and Lviv.

“We will also increase the status of the consular office in Antalya to the Consulate General in order to more effectively protect the interests of our citizens,” said Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

For his part, the President of the Republic of Turkey stressed the importance of the work of Turkish investors in Ukraine.

“We are proud that Turkish companies successfully implement infrastructure projects in Ukraine. I would like to thank the President once again for trusting our companies,” he said.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also noted the constantly increasing cooperation between the two countries in the field of tourism.

During the talks, the presidents also discussed issues of support for Crimean Tatars.

The Turkish leader thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people for hospitality and wished the work of the Strategic Council of the two countries to become a basis for further development of cooperation.