Ukrainian, Turkish commanders discuss cooperation in naval sphere

Ukrainian Navy Commander Ihor Voronchenko and Turkish Navy Commander Adnan Ozbal have discussed bilateral military cooperation as part of the ongoing International Defense Industry Fair IDEF 2019 in Istanbul, the press service of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported.

"The fleet managers discussed the priority areas of military cooperation in the naval field. In particular, they talked about mutual visits to ports by the ships of the Navy of the Republic of Turkey and the Navy of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including visits to the port of Tuzla (Golcuk) by Ukrainian training boats," the report reads.

According to the report, during the meeting, the sides also outlined priority issues of regional security and development of cooperation in the Black Sea region. The parties emphasized the importance of supporting the military dialogue, in particular, the further conduct of joint passing exercises (PASSEX) and participation in the Sea Breeze drills.

According to the press service, the commanders of the two countries' navies discussed the exchange of information on the surface conditions as part of Operation Black Sea Harmony of the Turkish Navy.

The Defense Ministry also recalled that the practical cooperation of the Ukrainian Navy with Turkey was launched in 1995. Five ships and a submarine of the Turkish Navy visited Odesa last year, including as part of standing NATO groups and during Ukrainian-American Sea Breeze exercises. In 2019, it is planned to hold the fourth meeting on military cooperation between the Ukrainian and Turkish navies.

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