Zelensky welcomes new ‘quadriga’ format, invites Erdoğan to Kyiv

This was discussed during a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and Minister of National Defense of Turkey Hulusi Akar, Ukrinform reports citing the President’s press service.

"We believe this is a landmark event, our countries have never worked in this format. I congratulate both Ukraine and Turkey on the launch of the ‘quadriga’ format, in which we can move faster," the President said.

The President also thanked the high-ranking officials for Turkey's continued support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"I am grateful to Turkey for constant protection and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-recognition of the illegal occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. I am grateful for the support for Crimean Tatars," Volodymyr Zelensky said.

The President underscored the special importance of Kyiv-Ankara strategic partnership and the readiness to further develop cooperation between the two countries in all areas where there is mutual interest.

Turkish officials also reaffirmed Ankara's position on the illegal annexation of Crimea. The President expressed gratitude for the readiness of the Turkish side to join the work of the Crimean Platform, where Turkey has a special role to play.

The Turkish side reaffirmed that official Ankara will support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine on all platforms and confirmed its willingness to continue to actively participate in protecting the rights of the Crimean Tatar people in the occupied Crimea, to provide assistance to the internally displaced persons, to facilitate release of Ukrainian citizens illegally detained in the temporarily occupied territories and in Russia.

The Turkish delegation also congratulated Ukraine on gaining the NATO EOP status.

The parties pointed out the mutual readiness to develop trade and economic cooperation in order to achieve in the near future the goal of $10 billion in bilateral trade set by the heads of state.

In addition, the positive dynamics of the development of defense and military-technical cooperation was praised. A number of practical issues were discussed in the context of the implementation of the Framework Military Agreement between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine and the Government of the Republic of Turkey of October 16, 2020.

Following the talks, the parties confirmed the agreement to hold a regular meeting of the high-level strategic council in early 2021.

Volodymyr Zelensky invited President of the Republic of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Kyiv.

On October 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Istanbul and signed a number of bilateral documents. In particular, Defense Minister of Ukraine Andriy Taran and National Defense Minister of Turkey Hulusi Akar signed the framework military agreement between the governments of Ukraine and Turkey.

On December 14, the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine concluded first-ever direct foreign economic contacts for military goods. Defense contracts with Turkish companies were signed by Defense Minister Andriy Taran.

ol