Kiev says hoping for Turkey's active involvement in provision of food security

MOSCOW. Aug 2 (Interfax) - Ukraine is hoping for the active involvement of Turkey in the provision of food security, Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister, Economy Minister Yulia Sviridenko said at talks with Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat in Istanbul.

"We are hoping to strengthen and develop the Ukraine-Turkey partnership in all areas. We are also hoping for the active participation and leadership of Turkey in the provision of food security and its assistance in further inclusion of other countries, including the Global South, in this work," Ukrainian media cited Sviridenko's statement released by the Economy Ministry's press service.

Shipping has been restored in the Black Sea and exports through the corridor in territorial waters has sizably grown owing to the joint efforts, Sviridenko said. "Turkey de facto serves as a hub for our grain exports to other countries. For instance, our grain ships bound to Africa travelled through Turkey, including those transporting 25,000 tonnes to Nigeria and 15,000 tonnes to Sudan," Sviridenko said. She added that she hoped for further active participation of Turkey in the Grain from Ukraine initiative.

The complete reinstatement of safe shipping in the Black Sea meets the interests of both Ukraine and Turkey, Sviridenko said. In her words, the reopening of ferry traffic between Ukrainian and Turkish ports is due to become yet another important element of strengthening food security.

The sides highlighted bilateral trade and the opening of a free trade area upon ratification of the Ukrainian-Turkish Free Trade Agreement by the Ukrainian parliament.

"The free trade area is bound to harmonize bilateral trade, simplify logistics, promote the entry of both markets by a larger number of Ukrainian and Turkish manufacturers, and unlock new opportunities for joint economic projects," Sviridenko said.

The sides discussed possible Turkish private investments in the restoration of Ukraine and the provision of affordable insurance from military risks, alongside export guarantees to Turkish investors.