It is one of Ukraine’s largest and most powerful neighbors, a country of over 80 million people across the Black Sea. And its role in the region is only growing.
Turkey has a long history of political and economic ties with Ukraine. Since 2014, Turkish companies have invested over $800 million in the Ukrainian economy. And Kyiv and Ankara aim to boost trade turnover between their countries to $10 billion by 2023. Since 2011, they have also been working on a free trade agreement. Now, talks on the agreement appear to be reaching a conclusion.
Beyond the economy, Turkey has proven to be an effective, if at times difficult political partner for Ukraine, a source of fine cuisine, and a top tourist destination for Ukrainians.
In the 43rd print issue of the year, the Kyiv Post takes a look at Ukraine’s multi-faceted relations with Turkey, ahead of an Oct. 29 reception at the Hilton Kyiv honoring the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic by first president and father of the country, Mustafa Kemel Ataturk.
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