February 12, during the working visit of the Ukrainian delegation to NATO Headquarters, the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andriy Zagorodnyuk held a first official meeting with the Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey Hulusi Akar.

Andriy Zagorodnyuk noted the intensification of defense cooperation between the two countries. In particular, he stressed the importance of signing of the Agreement on Defense Cooperation on February 3, which took place during the official visit of the President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Ukraine.

An important aspect of the discussion was the initiative of the Ukrainian side to establish a joint commission on defense cooperation, which was fully supported by Turkish partners.

Among prospects for defense cooperation, the parties also emphasized the possibility of enhancing security cooperation in the Black Sea region, enhancing air defense capabilities through joint participation in the NATO Air Situational Data Exchange Program with the Armed Forces of the Turkey and participation in joint exercises, as well as intensification of dialogue at the navy’s level.

At the end of the meeting, representatives of the Turkish delegation emphasized support to Ukraine within the internationally recognized borders and the non-recognition of the illegal occupation of the Crimean peninsula.

Press office of Ministry of Defense of Ukraine