Zelensky: Ukraine, Turkey to conduct audit of controversial issues to sign FTA

Ukraine and Turkey are ready for the further development of bilateral relations and have agreed to conduct a substantive audit of all controversial issues in order to find a mutual compromise that will pave the way for the signing of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a joint statement with President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to the media following a meeting of the Strategic Council of Ukraine and Turkey on April 10, Ukrinform reports with reference to the president’s press service.

"Further liberalization of bilateral trade is important for us, and the signing of a Free Trade Agreement can significantly increase its volume. At the same time, we understand that this is a responsible step and it should be taken in accordance with the national interests of each party," said Zelensky.

According to him, the parties agreed to conduct a substantive audit of all controversial issues by relevant institutions to find a mutual compromise that will pave the way for the signing of this important document.

In turn, the President of Turkey noted the fact that the volume of trade relations between the two countries has not decreased despite the pandemic indicates that our economies are complementary. He expressed hope for the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey as soon as possible, which will allow achieving the common goal and increase trade volume to $10 billion.

Erdoğan called tourism an important aspect of economic and personal relations between Ukraine and Turkey, which was also discussed the meeting. He expressed confidence that through mass vaccination and the creation of a safe tourism certificate system, the parties will be able to ensure the highest level of health safety for guests and tourists.

Zelensky told his Turkish counterpart and the participants of the meeting of the Strategic Council about promising areas for Turkish investments in Ukraine. First, he noted the opportunities provided by "large-scale privatization, in particular in the part of seaports".

He also reminded that the Ukrainian government recently approved a list of priority investment projects until 2023, including large-scale projects in the fields of infrastructure, transport, construction of airports and roads

In addition, according to the President of Ukraine, cooperation in the energy sphere was discussed. The Head of State called cooperation in the field of defense industry, which, in his opinion, has significant prospects, the locomotive of the strategic partnership between the two countries. The issue of cooperation in the field of aircraft construction was also raised - the implementation of specific projects, the creation of joint ventures, exchange of experience and technology.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky was on an official visit to Turkey on Saturday, April 10.

The ninth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey took place under the chairmanship of the two presidents. A joint declaration was signed following the meeting.