UPDATE - 'Turkey not only neighbor but also strategic partner'

REVISES DECK; UPDATES WITH MORE QUOTES FROM INTERVIEW

By Talha Yavuz

KYIV, Ukraine (AA) - Turkey is not only a good neighbor but also "a very reliable strategic partner," a top Ukrainian diplomat told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.

"We're happy to have a reliable, established, and friendly relationship developing between us in recent decades," said Vasyl Bodnar, the country’s deputy foreign minister.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Turkish-Ukrainian strategic partnership, the two countries are set later this year to hold a strategic meeting "which will lead to specific decisions critical to our relations," said Bodnar.

"We'll develop all possible trends in our cooperation that are mutually beneficial and fruitful for both of our nations," he added.

Bodnar said relations between the two countries are based on "complementarity," leading to mutually beneficial joint projects, adding that defense sector cooperation is one of the driving forces of bilateral ties.

"We’re cooperating with a NATO country," said Bodnar, adding that NATO standards are hugely important for Ukraine to join the bloc in the future.

"So today we’re pressing on receiving a membership action plan, which is an obligation of NATO," he said.

"We’re also strengthening compatibility between the military forces, between the military-industrial complexes,” he said, explaining that bringing them together will “bring practical results, which are both beneficial for Ukraine, for Turkey, and for NATO, because we are strengthening NATO capabilities."

He added that Ankara and Kyiv are currently in the midst of negotiations for a mutually beneficial free trade deal that will help protect both of their economies.