Türkiye ready to assist in Ukraine’s reconstruction, Trade Minister Bolat says
Turkish Minister of Trade Omer Bolat and Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine on March 13, 2025. (AA Photo)
Türkiye is prepared to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts and expand economic and trade cooperation, Trade Minister Omer Bolat said Thursday.
Bolat visited Kyiv with a delegation that included Turkish contractors, where they were received by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“During our visit to Ukraine, we were received by the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, together with the Turkish Contractors accompanying us,” Bolat wrote on X.
The meeting focused on the future of economic and trade relations between Türkiye and Ukraine, with discussions about a roadmap for further cooperation.
‘$10 billion trade volume target’
“We reiterated our determination to achieve the $10 billion trade volume target set by Mr. Zelenskyy, together with our President. We also expressed our willingness to put our Free Trade Agreement into effect and transfer the experience and know-how of Turkish contractors to Ukraine in its reconstruction efforts,” Bolat said.
He also expressed gratitude to Zelenskyy for his support in holding the first meeting of the Task Force, which will play an active role in Ukraine’s reconstruction, in Kyiv.
Bolat was also received by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, where they discussed steps to advance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
“In addition, we once again emphasized our strong support as Türkiye for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty, and underscored the importance of dialogue to establish peace and stability in the region,” Bolat added.
Zelenskyy later commented on his meeting with the Turkish delegation, highlighting the significance of Turkish businesses already operating in Ukraine.
“Today, we discussed efforts to bring a just and lasting peace closer, the development of bilateral relations, opportunities for cooperation in the production of various types of drones, and the participation of Turkish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction,” Zelenskyy wrote on X.
“Ukraine considers Türkiye one of its strategic partners, both in terms of security guarantees and trade. We are ready to ratify the Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye during President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan’s upcoming visit,” he added.
