KRAMATORSK, Ukraine / ANKARA

Turkiye is ready to do its part to end tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday.

Erdogan's remarks came at a joint news conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine’s capital Kyiv.

Before the presser, the two leaders discussed developments in the region and bilateral relations for over three hours.

"I have emphasized that Turkiye would be glad to host a summit (between Russia and Ukraine) at leaders level, or discussions at technical level," Erdogan said.

"I want to reiterate that we continue to support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, including Crimea," he said, adding that Ankara attaches importance to the role of OSCE Ukraine Special Monitoring Mission in Donbass conflict.

The Turkish president also spoke highly of Ukrainian officials' messages prioritizing dialogue and common sense with regards to the tension with Russia.

"We sincerely believe that the crisis will end peacefully and diplomatically on the basis of international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine in line with the Minsk Protocol," he said.

Economy

On the economy front, Erdogan said they exchanged views on steps to increase the bilateral trade volume to $10 billion, and the newly signed free trade agreement (FTA) would have a positive impact in this regard.

Last year, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries jumped 59% to $7.4 billion.

He said cooperation on tourism has been steady, and more than two million Ukrainians visited Turkiye in 2021 despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erdogan thanked Zelensky for his trust in Turkish companies and noted that infrastructure projects in Ukraine completed by Turkish firms were a source of pride for Turkiye.

"Our meetings and the agreements signed today symbolize our will to further advance our strategical partnership ... I believe we will continue to strengthen our bilateral relations," he said.

The leaders' meeting coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkiye and Ukraine. The 10th High-Level Strategic Council meeting was also held with participation of accompanying delegations.

Turkish and Ukrainian sides signed a total of eight cooperation agreements and memoranda of understanding.

The FTA was signed by Turkish Trade Minister Mehmet Mus and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

'Historic' event

Zelensky said signing of the FTA is a “historic event," and thanked Erdogan for his offer to act as a mediator in ending tensions between Moscow and Kyiv.

“The FTA will help us achieve our goals more rapidly and effectively,” Zelensky said, adding that there are challenges related with security, and steps to establish peace "were the main items in our talks."

He added that the newly signed defense agreements will expand production of drones by Turkish defense firm Baykar in Ukraine.

The Bayraktar TB2 has been sold to countries including Ukraine, Qatar, Azerbaijan and Poland. Last May, Poland became the first EU and NATO member state to acquire drones from Turkiye.

The Ukrainian Armed Forces first purchased Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and ground control stations from Turkiye in 2019.

Consistent support for Ukraine

A “new momentum” to relations in the field of energy were also discussed, which could bring “positive outcomes” for security of the entire region, Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian president also thanked Erdogan for his firm and consistent support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and Turkiye's active participation in the Crimea Platform for the liberation of Crimea and the protection of the rights of the Crimean people.

"We are talking about the support for the Crimean Tatars, the construction of housing for IDPs from Crimea. There is indeed progress in this matter. We are confident that soon there will be a result, namely the implementation of this important project in Kherson, Mykolaiv and Kyiv," he said.

He went on to say that for peace in Ukraine they are ready to do "everything possible on all platforms, in all formats."

"It clearly demonstrates who is a friend of Ukraine, always willing to stand by us and help ... but I sincerely believe that our friendship (with Turkiye) will be strengthened not by common threats, but only by common victories," Zelensky said.

Ukraine and Russia have been locked in conflict since hostilities in the eastern Donbas region broke out in 2014 after Russia illegally annexed the Crimean Peninsula.

Russia has also recently amassed tens of thousands of troops near Ukraine's borders, prompting fears that the Kremlin could be planning another military offensive against the former Soviet republic.

Moscow has denied it is preparing to invade, saying its troops are there for exercises.