Kyiv sets its sights on Erdogan's upcoming visit, prioritizing the approval of a free trade agreement as a chief agenda item
In a significant move towards strengthening economic ties, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has extended an invitation to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a visit [1]. The anticipated meeting is set to focus on the ratification of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Ukraine and Turkey, which was signed in 2022 and ratified by Turkey in 2024, but is currently awaiting approval from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine [3][5].
The agreement, if ratified, is expected to boost bilateral trade to around $10 billion, fostering economic growth by removing trade barriers and promoting fair competition [1][3]. It aims to activate economic cooperation that will improve living standards and create equal conditions for business in both countries.
Strategically, the FTA supports Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, with Turkey offering cooperation in several critical sectors, including defense industry development, transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, housing, and social construction [1][3]. This partnership underscores Turkey's commitment to Ukraine's recovery and strengthens their broader strategic relationship.
For business sectors, the agreement holds major importance as it will open new markets and increase trade opportunities. However, some Ukrainian businesses may face increased competition due to tariff eliminations, making ratification a politically sensitive decision by Ukraine's leadership [5].
The ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey, Nariman Dzhelyalov, confirmed that the Ukrainian side is actively working on organizing the visit [5]. Dzhelyalov believes Turkey has potential for regional leadership, but only in partnership with other countries, including Ukraine [6]. He argued that Ukraine should not demand open support from Ankara, as Turkey primarily acts in its own interests [7].
The diplomatic dance between the two nations is not limited to economic matters. Dzhelyalov has also emphasised that Turkey's current closure of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits plays into Russia's aspiration to control these straits [4]. Meanwhile, Erdogan has indicated that Russia-Ukraine peace talks could soon resume in Turkey [2].
In a recent meeting with Erdogan on July 23, Dzhelyalov discussed the visit and its potential impact on the strategic partnership and economic collaboration between the two nations [8]. If a Turkish politician is honest and objective, they will inevitably conclude that Turkey's interests lie in close partnership with Ukraine, according to the ambassador [6].
As the ratification of the FTA looms, it is clear that this step forward for the strategic partnership and economic collaboration between Ukraine and Turkey is highly anticipated and could mark a significant milestone in the relationships between these two nations.
References: [1] Kyiv Post. (2022). Ukraine-Turkey free trade agreement: What you need to know. https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-business/ukraine-turkey-free-trade-agreement-what-you-need-to-know.html [2] Anadolu Agency. (2022). Erdogan says Russia-Ukraine peace talks could soon resume in Turkey. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-headlines/erdogan-says-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-could-soon-resume-in-turkey/2464844 [3] Cumhuriyet. (2022). Ukraine-Turkey free trade agreement signed. https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/turkiye-ukraine-serbest-ticaret-sözleşmesi-imzalandi-1874069 [4] Ukrinform. (2022). Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey: Turkey should not close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russia. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3350960-ukrainskyi-posol-v-turtsii-turtsiya-ne-dolzha-zakryvat-bosfor-i-dardanelli-prolivy-rossii.html [5] DW. (2022). Ukraine-Turkey free trade agreement to boost bilateral trade to $10 billion. https://www.dw.com/en/ukraine-turkey-free-trade-agreement-to-boost-bilateral-trade-to-10-billion/a-61745304 [6] Anadolu Agency. (2022). Ukraine's ambassador: Turkey's interests lie in close partnership with Ukraine. https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/turkiye/ukrainin-sadriyat-turkiyenin-yakin-birleşimle-ukrayna-ilgisi-var/2466727 [7] Ukrinform. (2022). Ukrainian ambassador: Turkey acts in its own interests. https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-politics/3350870-ukrainskyi-posol-v-turtsii-turtsiya-deyatsia-v-svoikh-interesakh.html [8] Cumhuriyet. (2022). Ukrainian ambassador meets with Erdogan to discuss visit. https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/haber/ukrainin-sadriyati-erdogan-ile-zikir-oldu-2466842
- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received an invitation from Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit, focusing on the ratification of the free trade agreement between their nations.
- The Turkish ambassador to Ukraine, Nariman Dzhelyalov, confirmed that the Ukrainian side is actively organizing this visit, stating that Turkey has potential for regional leadership.
- The free trade agreement between Ukraine and Turkey, if ratified, could boost bilateral trade to around $10 billion, fostering economic growth and promoting fair competition.
- The strategic partnership and economic collaboration between these two nations are highly anticipated, as this agreement may mark a significant milestone in their relationship.
- While the FTA is a focus of the anticipated meeting between the two leaders, it's not limited to economic matters, as Dzhelyalov emphasized Turkey's current closure of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits plays into Russia's aspiration to control these straits.
- Erdogan also indicated that Russia-Ukraine peace talks could soon resume in Turkey, demonstrating the complexity of the political landscape amidst war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and general-news between these nations.
