Poroshenko, Erdogan discuss peacekeeping mission in Donbas, release of hostages

Turkey supports the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in the occupied areas of Donbas and is ready to participate in it.

This was discussed at the meeting of President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu on April 9, the press service of the Head of the Ukrainian State reports.

"Turkey supported the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in the occupied area of Donbas and stated willingness to take part in this mission," the statement reads.

As noted, Poroshenko informed the Turkish side on the situation in the Donbas. The parties exchanged views on the situation in Crimea occupied by Russia, particularly regarding the release of Ukrainian political prisoners from Russian prisons.

In addition, the parties discussed preparations for the Seventh Meeting of the High-level Strategic Council between Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey. The parties also discussed key directions of enhancement of bilateral cooperation in trade, economic and investment field, as well as the opportunities for the implementation of common energy projects. In addition, they touched upon the trilateral cooperation between Ukraine, Turkey and Qatar.

As noted, the parties condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria.

The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration of Ukraine Kostiantyn Yelisieiev.

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