Ukraine mentioned on Monday that it wish to see better engagement by Turkish contractors within the reconstruction of the war-torn nation, stressing the 2 Black Sea neighbors’ strategic partnership and robust protection hyperlinks.
“We welcome with great appreciation the contributions of Turkish companies to the reconstruction of Ukraine. We eagerly anticipate even greater involvement from them in the future,” Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha mentioned.
A former ambassador to Türkiye who was named Ukraine’s new high diplomat in early September, Sybiha was talking throughout a joint news convention with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Ankara.
Officials and firms have repeatedly expressed readiness to play a job within the reconstruction of Ukraine, whose infrastructure has been devastated by the Russian invasion that began in early 2022.
In August of that 12 months, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy oversaw the signing of an accord permitting Turkish development companies to participate within the reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure.
“We have established a joint working group and are looking forward to the Turkish delegation’s visit to Ukraine in the near future,” Sybiha mentioned on Monday.
The group is answerable for coordinating work to rebuild amenities of social and financial significance, together with roads, bridges, water and electrical energy infrastructure, hospitals, and colleges.
The Turkish authorities and companies are anticipated to develop particular reconstruction initiatives and supply consulting and technical help.
Even earlier than the invasion, Ukraine was an vital marketplace for Turkish development firms, which have been seeking to resume a number of the initiatives disrupted by the battle.
Fidan mentioned the 2 high diplomats mentioned protection business cooperation and Ukraine’s reconstruction.
“Turkish contractors have contributed to over 300 projects in Ukraine, worth approximately $10 billion. Since the war began in 2022, our companies have completed 70 projects, showing loyalty by not abandoning Ukraine,” he added.
Sybiha used certainly one of his first journeys overseas since he was appointed to focus on Türkiye as certainly one of Ukraine’s most vital strategic companions and its efforts to behave as an middleman within the battle.
He had served as Ukraine’s ambassador to Ankara from 2016 to 2021.
“Türkiye’s is our strategic partner, and we aim to build strong, secure and mutually beneficial relations with this important ally,” Sybiha mentioned.
Fidan mentioned the 2 international locations would proceed efforts to deepen relations in all areas.
“I believe this visit will elevate the friendship and cooperation between our two countries to a new level,” he added.
Türkiye shares a maritime border with each Ukraine and Russia within the Black Sea and has good ties with each.
It opposes Russia’s invasion, in addition to Western sanctions in opposition to Moscow.
Ankara performed a key position in putting in a deal to make sure grain may very well be shipped safely from Ukraine’s Black Sea ports. The accord remained in impact for a 12 months.
Highlighting the significance of reviving the initiative, Fidan expressed hope for the Black Sea to turn out to be a “basin of cooperation” as soon as once more.
Defense cooperation
Sybiha thanked for the “unwavering support Türkiye has shown since the very first day of the war.”
“We are deeply grateful for the principled support of the Republic of Türkiye for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We also greatly appreciate the backing provided by the Republic of Türkiye, particularly by President (Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and all the officials, in seeking a just peace to end the war.”
Fidan emphasised the regular progress in relations with Ukraine regardless of the battle.
“We are facing the geopolitical challenges created by the war. Despite this, our multifaceted cooperation with Ukraine is growing stronger every day,” he mentioned.
Fidan reiterated Ankara’s help for Ukraine’s “territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.”
“The perseverance, resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people in their struggle are beyond praise,” he mentioned.
Türkiye has urged Kyiv and Moscow to finish the combating by means of negotiations, repeatedly stressing its readiness for any initiative, together with mediation, to put the groundwork for peace.
“We are ready to support peace efforts. Our president is working tirelessly to end the war, which has caused great destruction and loss of life,” mentioned Fidan.
“Efforts on the ground must be backed by negotiation processes. Peace can only be achieved by the parties involved.”
Sybiha referred to the cooperation within the protection business, recalling a manufacturing facility that’s being established in Ukraine by the famed Turkish drone producer Baykar.
Its Bayraktar TB2 drones have gained prominence globally after being utilized by Ukraine’s navy to thwart Russian forces.
Baykar’s manufacturing facility close to Kyiv, whose development began this February, is predicted to make use of round 500 individuals and can manufacture both its TB2 or TB3 drone fashions.
In early August, Ukraine took supply of a second Turkish-built naval corvette. The settlement for the Ada-class ships, that are usually in a position to strike planes, different ships and submarines, was signed in 2020.
“Turkish companies, such as Baykar, are establishing a factory in Ukraine. Additionally, STM has built two corvettes named Ivan Vyhovskyiand Ivan Mazepa for the Ukrainian Navy. These initiatives are strengthening both Ukraine and Türkiye,” mentioned Sybiha.
Source: www.dailysabah.com