Türkiye's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the Ukrainian Parliament's approval of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries, describing the move as a major step toward deepening bilateral economic cooperation despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada adopted the draft law approving the agreement during its plenary session on July 14, completing a key stage in the ratification process.

The Free Trade Agreement was originally signed by Türkiye and Ukraine on February 3, 2022, shortly before the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Türkiye had already completed its domestic approval procedures, and the agreement is expected to enter into force following the completion of the remaining legal formalities.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the implementation of the agreement will represent a significant milestone in the strategic partnership established between Ankara and Kyiv in 2011.

"The entry into force of the Agreement, the approval process of which has already been completed in Türkiye, will mark a significant milestone in the strategic partnership that we established with Ukraine in 2011," the ministry said.

The ministry noted that the agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations by reducing trade barriers, facilitating market access, and creating new opportunities for investment and commercial cooperation.

Officials also said the FTA would contribute to expanding cooperation across various sectors, encouraging increased business activity between the two countries and supporting long-term economic growth.

The Foreign Ministry emphasized that Ukraine's parliamentary approval demonstrates the resilience of bilateral ties despite the difficult conditions created by the ongoing conflict.

"This development serves as one of the most concrete indicators that our bilateral relations with Ukraine are advancing steadily across all areas, despite the challenging conditions caused by the war," the statement said.

The Free Trade Agreement is expected to boost trade volumes between Türkiye and Ukraine by promoting the exchange of goods and services, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing investment opportunities as both countries continue to expand their strategic partnership.

The agreement is regarded as a key component of broader Türkiye-Ukraine cooperation, which spans trade, defense, infrastructure, agriculture, and regional security. Both governments have repeatedly expressed their commitment to further strengthening economic ties while maintaining close diplomatic engagement amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. (ILKHA)