Turkey is interested in developing cooperation with Ukraine in the military and industrial sectors, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry`s press service reported, referring to comments by Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik.
Isik stressed that the improvement of Turkish relations with Russia would by no means impact the country`s relations with Ukraine.
This statement was made by Isik within the framework of a bilateral meeting with Ukraine`s Defense Minister, Stepan Poltorak, during which the parties discussed the prospects of further cooperation.
”For us, it is important to develop cooperation in the military and industrial complex. The prospects of these relations are particularly important, in the context of ensuring stability in the Black Sea region,” the press service quoted Isik as saying.
He also stressed that Turkey condemns the annexation of Crimea and supports Ukraine in its efforts to protect independence and sovereignty.
Within the framework of an official visit to London, the Ukrainian defense minister also participated in the UN Peacekeeping Defense Ministerial meeting, which was hosted by the United Kingdom`s Ministry of Defense and brought together defense ministers from 80 countries – those collectively responsible for the resources promised for UN peacekeeping operations, according to the report.
”It should be noted that Ukraine, as a UN founding member, has been consistently implementing peacekeeping principles that are enshrined in the UN Charter. The fact that Ukraine was elected, on October 15, 2015, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council certified the country`s important contribution to the implementation of provisions set forth in the UN Charter,” the Defense Ministry`s press service emphasizes.
As reported, more than 42,000 Ukrainian soldiers have participated in peacekeeping operations during the 25 years of Ukraine`s independence. Over Further, 1,000 members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been involved in carrying out tasks in peacekeeping and security over the past two years. Currently, more than 500 Ukrainian servicemen are taking part in ten international peacekeeping operations in eight countries.
