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Ukraine is preparing for a visit by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, with ratification of a free trade agreement between the two countries expected to be the key topic, according to Ukraine's ambassador to Türkiye.
Ambassador Nariman Dzhelyalov told RBC-Ukraine that the Ukrainian side is actively working on organizing the visit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally extended the invitation to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which Dzhelyalov confirmed he reinforced during a recent meeting with the Turkish leader.
Erdogan also met with Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, on July 23. The meeting, held at the Presidential Complex, was closed to the press.
"This visit requires significant efforts, as there are many issues that hinder its implementation," Dzhelyalov said.
The ambassador emphasized that ratification of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and Türkiye could become the central theme of the visit. He described the document as important both for the strategic partnership and for a significant portion of Ukrainian business.
"President Zelenskyy's invitation is very simple: Türkiye is interested in signing a free trade agreement. This agreement is important for a significant part of our business, although for some, it may create tension due to increased competition.
However, this is a political decision. President Zelenskyy proposed ratifying this agreement during Erdogan's visit, which would be a good and symbolic step," Dzhelyalov explained.
In the same interview, Dzhelyalov warned that Türkiye cannot consider Russia a strategic ally, as Türkiye itself would be under threat if Ukraine were defeated.
The ambassador believes Türkiye has potential for regional leadership, but only in partnership with other countries, including Ukraine.
"I believe that Türkiye has every reason to aspire to leadership, but it realizes that this is only possible in partnership," the diplomat stated.
He stressed that while economic ties may exist between Türkiye and Russia, a strategic partnership is not feasible.
"You can trade with Russia, but there cannot be a strategic partnership that would protect Türkiye's interests. If Russia deals with Ukraine, the Caucasus will be next and, possibly, Türkiye itself," Dzhelyalov explained.
The diplomat reminded that historically, Russia has sought to control the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to gain access to the Mediterranean Sea.
He suggested that even Ankara's temporary closure of the straits plays into the Kremlin's hands.
"By the way, I am convinced that Türkiye's current closure of the straits only contributes to this Russian aspiration," he said.
According to the ambassador, more Turkish politicians are becoming aware of these risks. He argued that Ukraine should not demand open support from Ankara, as Türkiye primarily acts in its own interests.
"And if a Turkish politician is honest and objective, he will inevitably conclude that in the global dimension, Türkiye's interests, especially regarding security in the Black Sea, lie in close partnership with Ukraine," Dzhelyalov concluded.
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