Open Ukraine Foundation in partnership with Razumkov Centre held a discussion on Ukrainian-Turkish relations in Istanbul

Center for International and European Studies at Kadir Has University became a Turkish partner for the organization of this event. The event was funded by the Black Sea Trust of Regional Cooperation – a Project of the GMF (USA).

It was emphasized during the discussion that the leading countries of the world and Eurasia are getting increasingly interested in the Black Sea region in terms of energy security, conflict resolution, migration and other key policy areas. Participants from Ukraine and Turkey had a meaningful discussion and agreed that the Black Sea region, where both countries play an important role, needs to focus joint efforts on security and stability strengthening.

Participants exchanged views on the status and prospects of cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey and how to uphold relations between the two countries to a new level.

The issue of European integration of Ukraine and Turkey has also become an important subject of the discussion, since Ukraine intends to conclude negotiations with the EU on the Association Agreement, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, before the end of 2011. Ukrainian side stressed the importance of taking into account Turkey’s experience, a member of the EU Customs Union since 1996, and an Associate Member since 1964.

Rector of Kadir Has University, Dr. Mustafa Aydin and Deputy Director General of the Razumkov Centre, Dr. Valeriy Chaliy expressed hope that the conference will be an important step for the development of partnership of the researchers and experts of the two countries, which will be an additional element of implementation of the official agreements and the perspective of cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine.

Razumkov Centre presented position paprer: "The Ukrainian-Turkish relations: strengthening of security and stability in the Black Sea region" and called on Turkish partners to join the development of joint recommendations for the governments of two countries.

Special summarized publication on the development of bilateral relations between Ukraine and Turkey in the context of enhancing the security and stability in the Black Sea region is planned to be produced as a result of the conference.