Ukraine's defense minister Andriy Taran announced this during an online briefing called "Visit of the delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of Turkey led by Minister Hulusi Akar to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine."
"The state and prospects of implementation of defense reforms were also discussed. In this context, I would like to emphasize that we plan to start practical implementation of the agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on military financial cooperation in the near future. This agreement has a real financial dimension and will facilitate the planned transformations," the Ukrainian Minister stated.
The topical issues of mutual interest were, according to Andriy Taran, the key focus of the talks with his Turkish counterpart: assessment of the security situation in the Azov-Black Sea region, evaluation of trends and prospects for its growth, and evaluation of ways to respond to emerging threats.
"The importance of fully utilising the new defense and military cooperation instruments that Ukraine received after becoming a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner was noted. Everything we have discussed and especially the agreements we have reached will certainly help strengthen our countries' defense capabilities, increase the operational and combat capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and in general will help guarantee peace in the Azov-Black Sea region," Taran said.
Minister Taran also thanked Turkey for its unwavering and consistent support for all steps aimed at restoring sovereignty and territorial integrity to Ukraine, as well as for its extensive, political , economic, security and diplomatic assistance.
Turkey's National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar also thanked the Ukrainian side.
He emphasized that Turkey supported and will continue to support a peaceful solution to the problems facing Ukraine.
"I want to state once again that if we can provide any support for a peaceful solution to these problems, we are ready to provide such support. I want to emphasize once again that Turkey has not recognized and will not recognize the annexation of Crimea," Akar stated.
He noted that it turned out that both parties had the same or identical views on most topics during talks that were conducted by the Ukrainian and Turkish sides.
Akar also emphasized the importance of working together and establishing bilateral security relations between Ukraine and Turkey to work for economic growth and stability in the countries.
Turkey 's national defense minister also congratulated his Ukrainian counterpart for achieving NATO EOP status.
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