Kyiv: Ukraine's ambassador to Trkiye has announced that Kyiv is actively working to organize a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the war-torn country. This visit would mark Erdogan's first to Ukraine since the start of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ukrainian Ambassador to Trkiye Nariman Dzhelyalov shared these developments during an interview with RBC-Ukraine news agency. He highlighted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy personally extended the invitation to Erdogan, which Dzhelyalov reiterated during a recent meeting with the Turkish president. This meeting took place early last month when Dzhelyalov presented his letter of credence.

Dzhelyalov noted that organizing such a visit requires significant effort, as there are many issues hindering its realization. One of the central focuses of the visit could be the ratification of the free trade agreement between Ukraine and Trkiye. Dzhelyalov emphasized the importance of this agreement for a significant portion of Ukrainian businesses, despite potential concerns about increased competition. He mentioned that President Zelenskyy proposed the agreement be ratified during Erdogan's visit, describing it as a strong and symbolic gesture.

Turkish authorities have not yet commented on Dzhelyalov's remarks. However, last year in August, Ankara ratified the free trade agreement it signed with Kyiv on February 3, 2022. Trkiye has been playing a mediating role between Russia and Ukraine, hosting peace negotiations during the early months of the conflict and later facilitating renewed talks between the two sides in Istanbul on several occasions.