Turkish Foreign Minister to Host Ukrainian Counterpart

Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiha on October 21, marking Sibiha’s first official visit to Türkiye. This high-level meeting underscores Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and its call for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions are also set to deepen bilateral relations across key sectors.

The visit follows Fidan’s trip to Ukraine in August, during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation, particularly in the economic, energy, and defense sectors. As part of this ongoing collaboration, Türkiye and Ukraine are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding and agree on a consultation plan for 2025-2026.

Since upgrading their relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2011, Türkiye and Ukraine have made significant strides in strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors. Defense and energy partnerships have been at the forefront of these efforts, reflecting shared strategic interests. The upcoming meeting is expected to build on these foundations, particularly as the region faces continued instability due to the conflict.

Minister Fidan last met with Sibiha in October 2024 during the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Dubrovnik, where regional security issues and peace initiatives were a primary focus. As the war in Ukraine persists, Türkiye’s role as a mediator, advocating for peace through international law, remains critical.

Strengthening Economic Ties and the Free Trade Agreement

Economic relations between Türkiye and Ukraine have continued to grow, despite the ongoing conflict. In 2023, bilateral trade between the two nations reached $7.3 billion, reflecting their commitment to mutual economic growth. One of the key items on the agenda during Sibiha’s visit is the Free Trade Agreement, which is expected to come into force soon. This agreement is anticipated to boost trade and further strengthen economic collaboration between the two nations in the long term.