Kuleba: We need to take ‘last step’ towards Ukraine–Turkey Free Trade Agreement

"We need to take just one step towards the conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement. But frankly speaking, this is the most difficult step for both countries. We must agree on trade positions, being very sensitive for the economies of both countries. We can reach an agreement only through a compromise, which will be reached by both parties, making concessions," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba told journalists today following the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The minister believes that the result ensured by the FTA conclusion will compensate for all the concessions made.

"Our delegation is ready to arrive in Ankara to make further progress towards finalizing the agreement because we are absolutely ready to conclude this agreement at the political level. We must strike a balance of interests. To achieve this, experts from both countries should reach an agreement. There is political will on both sides, at the level of our presidents. The only matter is this difficult but inevitable step," the minister added.

As reported, Ukraine and Turkey have repeatedly set the goal of doubling trade from an average of 5 to 10 billion U.S. dollars a year. According to experts and officials in both countries, this figure can be easily achieved with the signing of the Free Trade Agreement.

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