Ukraine deserves to be in NATO: what Erdogan and Zelensky agreed on in Turkey

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky who recently made a tour of Europe, met in Turkey with his counterpart, Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The head of the Ukrainian state, in particular, thanked the Turkish side for supporting the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the Grain from Ukraine humanitarian initiative, stressing that recently the aggressor country Russia has been blocking the movement of ships with food along the corridors in the Black Sea.

“Russia behaves as if the entire Black Sea belongs to it, as if it is the mistress here. The peoples of our region demand great efforts to curb Russia’s aggressive ambitions and ensure stability in the Black Sea region. The food security of many peoples in Africa, Asia and Europe depends on our cooperation here.he noted

Zelensky also said that the Ukrainian and Turkish sides discussed joint projects in various areas that will strengthen security, increase the number of jobs and economic growth. This, in particular, concerns cooperation in the military-industrial complex, the development of technologies, the production of drones and other strategic sectors.

During the visit, a government memorandum was signed on cooperation in strategic industries and technologies between companies from Ukraine and the Republic of Turkey. Among the areas of cooperation are the development of capacities and capabilities for the production of autonomous vehicles, in particular unmanned aerial vehicles; increasing the production of various types of UAVs.

Soon the NATO summit will be held in Vilnius. Given this, Zelensky raised the issue of inviting our state to membership in the Alliance. “I was glad to hear that the president said that Ukraine deserves to become a member of NATO,” – he told about the positions of the Turkish leader.

In turn, Recep Tayyip Erdogan also emphasized the need to extend the Black Sea Grain Initiative: “On July 17, this initiative expires, thanks to which about 33 million tons of grain were delivered to those in need during the year. I am trying to continue this initiative. I am convinced that all stakeholders will act with a sense of global responsibility.”

He added that the operation of the grain corridor should be continued for a longer period and noted that he would discuss this issue with the owner of the Kremlin, Putin.

The Turkish leader noted that Ukraine deserves NATO membership and declared its readiness to provide all necessary support for the restoration of our state.

Recall that at the end of spring, Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the G7 summit in Japan, and soon plans to come to the NATO summit in Vilnius.

Photo by the Office of the President of Ukraine