'Kiev, Ankara enjoy sustainable strategic partnership'

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Ukraine and Turkey enjoy sustainable strategic partnership based on mutual political understanding, Ukrainian ambassador to Ankara said on Thursday.

"Kiev and Ankara enjoy sustainable strategic partnership based on mutual political understanding, economic complementarity and pragmatism, and common interests in the region -- peace and security," Andrii Sybiha said.

His remarks came during an official reception in Turkish capital Ankara on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of Ukraine's independence which is celebrated on Aug. 24 .

Sybiha also said Kiev appreciates Turkey's consistent support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

"We value Turkey's special attention to Crimea and Crimean Tatars that are a special bridge in our relations," he added.

On economic relations, the ambassador said despite the negative trends in global economy, trade turnover between the two countries performed 20% growth for three years in a row.

"Turkey was the first international partner which sold combat unmanned aerial vehicles to meet our needs and offered further cooperation on this issue," he added.

Addressing the reception, Turkey’s Trade Minister Ruhsar Pekcan said the two countries have "deep" relations, and Ukraine is Turkey's key strategic partner.

Pekcan also said the bilateral trade volume reached $4.1 billion and Turkey has $3 billion of investments in Ukraine.