Erdogan to examine free trade agreements during trip to Ukraine, according to Embassy spokesperson.
In a bid to strengthen economic ties and facilitate diplomatic efforts, Turkey has been actively involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Last month, Turkey hosted a crucial meeting between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Istanbul, marking the third round of talks this year.
During these discussions, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators have so far only agreed to hold prisoner exchanges, with each side planning to release 1,200 individuals. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on communications with the Russian representative during the Istanbul talks.
Ukraine is also coordinating with its partners, particularly the U.S., in supporting its diplomatic efforts. Zelenskyy has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a visit, with the ratification of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and Turkey expected to be a central topic during his visit.
The FTA, signed in February 2022, has been ratified by Turkey but is still awaiting ratification by the Ukrainian parliament (Verkhovna Rada). Turkey's ratification demonstrates its commitment to promoting economic growth and removing trade barriers, with the agreement aiming to boost bilateral trade volume to $10 billion.
Turkey's role as a mediator in the conflict is evident, having hosted peace negotiations early in the conflict and subsequent talks between the warring parties. Ankara’s efforts demonstrate its commitment to facilitating dialogue and seeking a resolution to the conflict.
The FTA is expected to create equal business conditions and promote fair competition. Turkey emphasizes post-war reconstruction cooperation in sectors like defense, transport, energy, housing, and social infrastructure in Ukraine. Despite some concerns about increased competition, Ukrainian leadership supports ratification as a strategic political step symbolizing deepened bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has rejected Russia's demands for it to give up four regions, in addition to Crimea, which it annexed in 2014, and abandon any plans to join NATO. Ukraine is working on a list of prisoners to be exchanged with Russia and is verifying data on each individual to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian civilians.
Erdogan visited Ukraine in August 2022, marking his first visit since the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During his visit, he pledged assistance to Ukraine for rebuilding and recovery. Russia has expressed doubt that Ukraine wants a cease-fire, a claim that Ukraine has rejected.
In summary, Turkey's dual approach of expanding economic ties with Ukraine while facilitating diplomatic efforts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict is a strategic move aimed at boosting trade, promoting economic growth, and seeking a resolution to the conflict. The ratification of the FTA and the continued prisoner exchanges are significant steps towards achieving these goals.
- Turkey's involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict extends beyond economics, as it has also served as a mediator, hosting peace negotiations and subsequent talks in Ankara and Istanbul.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a visit, with discussions about the ratification of the free trade agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and Turkey expected to be key during his visit.
- Beyond trade, Turkey is emphasizing post-war reconstruction cooperation in sectors like defense, transport, energy, housing, and social infrastructure in Ukraine, expressing commitment to facilitating dialogue and seeking a resolution to the conflict.
- In general news, Russia has expressed doubt that Ukraine wants a cease-fire, a claim that Ukraine has rejected, while Ukraine is working on a list of prisoners to be exchanged with Russia and verifying data on each individual for the safe return of Ukrainian civilians.
