Turkish ministers to meet Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in Kyiv
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (not seen) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a joint press conference following their bilateral and inter-delegation meetings at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on Feb. 18, 2025 (AA Photo)
Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat and Agriculture and Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli are set to visit Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as part of efforts to support Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
According to the Turkish Trade Ministry, Bolat will be accompanied by representatives from the Turkish Contractors Association and 25 companies involved in construction and technical consultancy.
Türkiye-Ukraine reconstruction task force to hold first meeting
During the visit, Bolat and Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction and Minister for Communities and Territories Development, Oleksiy Kuleba, will co-chair the inaugural meeting of the Türkiye-Ukraine Reconstruction Task Force.
The agenda will include discussions on Türkiye’s involvement in Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and housing.
The visit is expected to open new avenues for economic collaboration between the two countries.
Bolat is also scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks and meet with Turkish business representatives operating in Ukraine.
Turkish contractors’ role in Ukraine’s post-war recovery
The Turkish construction sector has played a significant role in Ukraine, particularly in emergency infrastructure projects during the war.
Turkish firms have undertaken 100 projects worth $1.2 billion in critical areas, such as roads, bridges, energy, and housing. The sector has an estimated $10 billion project backlog in Ukraine, positioning it as a key player in the country’s post-war reconstruction.
The visit is expected to further solidify Türkiye’s role in Ukraine’s recovery, enhancing business opportunities for Turkish companies and strengthening economic ties between the two nations.
Agricultural cooperation, trade discussions
Minister Yumakli’s delegation includes Ahmet Guldal, Director General of the Turkish Grain Board (TGB), and Hasan Gezginc, Director General of Turkish Agricultural Enterprises.
Talks will focus on rebuilding Ukraine’s agricultural irrigation infrastructure and lifting existing restrictions on Türkiye’s exports of dairy and poultry products.
Agriculture remains a vital sector for Ukraine, and both countries are exploring ways to expand trade and investment in the industry.
