Ukraine and Turkey See Potential for Joint Defense Projects and Black Sea Security Cooperation

Ukraine and Turkey may collaborate on defense projects by leveraging Turkey's technological prowess alongside Ukraine's engineering skills and battlefield experience, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko stated at a Turkish Embassy event in Kyiv commemorating Turkey's 103rd anniversary. He elaborated on defense-industrial cooperation, emphasizing that the fusion of Turkey's technological capabilities with Ukraine's engineering developments, technological expertise, and combat experience could lead to joint projects and bolster both nations' defense capabilities.

Mishchenko also expressed gratitude to Turkey and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for their assistance in combating Russian aggression and efforts towards ending the war and finding practical solutions. He further underlined the significance of Black Sea security, highlighting Turkey's role in ensuring the smooth export of Ukrainian agricultural products and safeguarding maritime communications.

Mishchenko underscored the vital importance of protecting freedom of navigation, port infrastructure, and trade routes, which holds fundamental importance for both countries and the international community. He also pointed to substantial potential for bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy, energy, transport, and Ukraine's reconstruction, urging Turkish businesses to actively participate in recovery initiatives.