President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Ukraine views Turkiye as a potential partner for security assurances.

A Turkish delegation led by Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumaklı and Trade Minister Omer Bolat met with the Ukrainian government in Kyiv on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations, drone production collaboration, and Turkish companies' role in the war-torn nation's post-conflict reconstruction. Notably, negotiations also centered on the ratification of a free trade agreement between Kyiv and Ankara, which is said to have a $10 billion trade volume objective.

The discussions, which were presided over by Ukrainian President Zelensky and attended by more than 20 businesses from Turkiye's contracting and technical consulting industries as well as Ukrainian state and private sector representatives, covered the restoration of vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and water and electricity systems.

After the discussions, Zelensky said on X that Turkish companies currently operating in Ukraine were crucial. The nation is grateful for this as well as for the help and support from Turkey, especially the Bayraktar drone supply.

It was announced by the president that efforts to bring a just and lasting peace closer were discussed, bilateral relations were developed, opportunities for cooperation in the production of various types of drones were explored, and the participation of Turkish companies in Ukraine’s reconstruction was considered.

Highlighting the extent of Ankara’s ties with and support for Kyiv throughout its ongoing conflict against invading Russian forces, Zelensky affirmed that Türkiye is considered one of Ukraine’s strategic partners, as well as a partner in terms of security guarantees, and that the Free Trade Agreement with Türkiye is ready to be ratified during President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit.