Media: Ukraine prepares for Turkish president’s visit focused on free trade deal

Ukraine is preparing to receive Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for a visit that could center on the ratification of a free trade agreement between the two countries, Ukraine’s ambassador to Türkiye, Nariman Dzhelyal, said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine.

The ambassador confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally invited Erdogan, and the Turkish leader has accepted the invitation during a recent meeting with Zelenskyy, Caliber.Az cites the interview.

Ukrainian officials are currently working actively to organise the visit, although significant challenges remain.

“This visit requires considerable effort, as there are many issues that stand in the way of its implementation,” Dzhelyal said.

Dzhelyal noted that the ratification of the free trade agreement could be the primary topic of discussion during Erdogan’s trip. He emphasised that the agreement is important both for the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Türkiye and for many Ukrainian businesses.

While the ambassador acknowledged that the deal could create tensions for some due to increased competition, he stressed that ratification is a political decision.

Dzhelyal added that President Zelenskyy views ratifying the agreement during Erdogan’s visit as a symbolic and positive step to deepen bilateral cooperation.

No official date has been announced yet for Erdogan’s visit to Ukraine.

By Sabina Mammadli