Ukraine prepares for Erdoğan's visit: Ambassador reveals top topic for agenda
Photo: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Getty Images)
Ukraine is preparing for a visit from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, with the ratification of the free trade agreement between the two countries likely to be a key topic on the agenda, Ukraine's Ambassador to Türkiye, Nariman Dzhelyal, says in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.
According to Dzhelyal, the Ukrainian side is actively working to organize President Erdoğan's visit to Ukraine. The invitation was personally extended by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and as the diplomat noted, Erdoğan confirmed receipt of the invitation during a recent meeting with the Ukrainian leader.
"This visit requires significant effort, as there are many issues hindering its realization," Dzhelyal said.
The ambassador also emphasized that the ratification of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and Türkiye could become the central focus of the visit.
This document is important both for the strategic partnership and for a large segment of Ukrainian business.
"President Zelenskyy's invitation is very straightforward: Türkiye is interested in signing a free trade agreement. This agreement is important for a significant portion of our business, though it may raise concerns for some due to increased competition. However, this is a political decision. President Zelenskyy proposed that the agreement be ratified during Erdoğan’s visit, which would be a strong and symbolic gesture," Dzhelyal explained.
Ukraine-EU free trade
The European Union temporarily lifted tariffs and quotas on Ukrainian agricultural products in June 2022 following Russia's full-scale invasion. Quotas were suspended due to the threat posed by Russian forces to Ukraine's traditional maritime trade routes.
According to estimates by the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), net export losses, taking into account continued trade above quotas and reorientation to other countries' markets, will amount to about $800 million in June-December.
For more details, read our article on the topic.
