Ukraine, Turkey defense ministers discuss situation in Azov-Black Sea region

This was announced by Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Taran during an online briefing entitled "Visit of the delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey led by Minister Hulusi Akar to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine."

"The state and prospects of implementation of defense reforms were also discussed. In this context, I would like to emphasize that we plan to start practical implementation of the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on military financial cooperation in the near future. This agreement has a real financial dimension and will facilitate the planned transformations," the Ukrainian minister said.

According to Andriy Taran, the main focus of the talks with his Turkish counterpart was the topical issues of mutual interest: Assessment of the security situation in the Azov-Black Sea region, consideration of trends and prospects for its development, and consideration of ways to respond to emerging threats.

"The priorities of our bilateral defense cooperation, in which military-technical cooperation plays a key role, were also considered. This is of great importance for the development of our economies, especially during the recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic," Taran said.

In addition, the parties discussed issues relating to Euro-Atlantic integration.

"The importance of fully utilising the new defense and military cooperation instruments that Ukraine received after becoming a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner was noted. Everything we have discussed and especially the agreements we have reached will certainly help strengthen our countries' defense capabilities, increase the operational and combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in general will help guarantee peace in the Azov-Black Sea region," Taran said.

Minister Taran also thanked Turkey for its unwavering and consistent support for all measures aimed at restoring Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for its comprehensive, political, economic, defense and diplomatic support.

"In our opinion, the visit of Minister of National Defense of Turkey to Ukraine is an event that reflects the strategic nature of our relations, large-scale defense cooperation and mutual commitment to peace and security in the Azov-Black Sea region," Taran said.

National Defense Minister of Turkey Hulusi Akar also thanked the Ukrainian side.

He stressed that Turkey supported a peaceful solution to Ukraine's problems and would continue to support it.

"I want to state once again that if we can provide any support for a peaceful solution to these problems, we are ready to provide such support. I want to emphasize once again that Turkey has not recognized and will not recognize the annexation of Crimea," Akar said.

The minister also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims in Donbas and assured them of Turkey’s readiness to provide any assistance.

"Our relations are certainly developing well in all areas, and they are developing especially well in the field of defense and security. I want to say that our bilateral cooperation, our bilateral ties have a positive impact not only on each of the two countries, but also positively influence the entire region," the National Security Minister of Turkey said.

He noted that it turned out that, during the talks that the Ukrainian and Turkish sides, both parties had the same or similar positions on most issues.

Akar also stressed the importance of working together and having bilateral relations between Ukraine and Turkey in the field of defense to work towards economic development and prosperity in the countries.

The Minister of National Defense of Turkey also congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart on gaining the NATO EOP status.

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