Ukraine heeds Turkey's support, says ambassador

ANKARA

Ukraine gives importance to the support of an "effective world actor" such as Turkey, the ambassador to Ankara Andrii Sybiha told Anadolu Agency.

"We give great value and importance to support of an effective world actor like Turkey," newly appointed Sybiha said Thursday.

Sybiha said the main goal was to implement a project that will bring two "friendly" countries closer.

"Our slogan would be 'implementation of practical projects'. It is time to move from big words to concrete efforts," he added.

Sybiha said Turkey was one of the countries that recognized Ukraine's independence in 1991, adding: "We both remember and appreciate it."

About Crimea, Sybiha said: "I am sure the occupation of Crimea will end with the support of the international community and Turkey."

"Crimea will be returned to Ukraine and peace will be ensured in Ukraine."

Crimea was formally annexed by Moscow in March 2014 after a referendum, which was contested by the international community, on the heels of violent anti-government protests that led to the overthrow of the then-President, Viktor Yanukovych.

Along with many UN countries, the U.S., and the EU, Turkey also does not recognize Crimea as Russian territory.

Bilateral relations

Concerning economic relations between Ukraine and Turkey, Sybiha said there was a 20 percent of fall in the trade volume in the past two years.

He added the trade volume was around $4 billion and it was "highly important" to sign a free trade agreement with Turkey.

"We are actively negotiating with our Turkish friends, we are in consultation. We need to fulfill the negotiations until the end of this year and reach an agreement," said Sybiha.

He said he also expected the number of Ukrainian tourists coming to Turkey would reach about 1 million by the end of 2016.

Sybiha praised Turkey's "hospitality and nice climate".

Regarding the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO), the group blamed for the July 15 defeated coup in Turkey, Sybiha said he was "deeply" saddened.

Sybiha said Ukraine was in solidarity with Turkey.

"It is important to stand together and combine efforts against a common threat," he added.

The FETO is accused of orchestrating the coup attempt, which left 248 martyrs in its wake and some 2,200 people injured.

(Reporting by Nazli Yuzbasioglu ; Writing by Diyar Guldogan)