Volodymyr
Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, met Abdullah Gül,
President of the Republic of Turkey, in the framework of the official visit to Turkey.
V. Lytvyn drew attention to the lack of discrepancies in the Ukrainian-Turkish relations, having emphasized, "there are all the grounds to expect improvement of not only inter-parliamentary, but also inter-state dialogue."
In his turn, Abdullah Gül, President of the Republic of Turkey, stated, "There are a lot in common between our states, the Black Sea first of all." According to him, Ukraine and Turkey are important countries of the Black Sea region.
V. Lytvyn stated, "There are no boundaries in the Black Sea cooperation, as it unites states. Thus, it depends upon Ukraine and Turkey whether this sea would become a ‘European Lake." V. Lytvyn believes that Europe will not be complete without Turkey and Ukraine. "Presence of Ukraine and Turkey in the European institutions will show their integrity", V. Lytvyn stressed.
The Parties informed that the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey would presently make an official visit to Ukraine to sign the document on setting up a strategic council. "The strategic council will strengthen cooperation in the economic sector. There will be no obstacles for the businessmen", V. Lytvyn explained. According to the Head of the Parliament, establishment of the strategic council "will pave the way for serious and crucial actions in the economic and social spheres."
V. Lytvyn assured the President of the Republic of Turkey that the Ukrainian Parliament is ready to provide legislative support for the implementation of the Strategic Council projects. "We will have a lot of work in the framework of the Council, still it is pleasant and efficient work", V. Lytvyn is convinced.
The Parties discussed the perspectives of strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the Black Sea region, and the spheres of trade, energy production, military-industrial complex, transport and tourism.
Discussing further cooperation in the social sphere, the President of Turkish Republic A. Gül called for setting up the national cultural centers: a Turkish center in Ukraine and a Ukrainian one in the Republic of Turkey.
The parties touched on the issue on cooperation in the organization of proper housing conditions for the Crimean Tatars. According to V. Lytvyn, "A predictable and civilized development of the Crimean region will guarantee peace not only on the peninsula, but also in the whole region."
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada and the President of the Turkish Republic have positively evaluated cooperation of both states on the international scene. "Work in the Council of Europe can serve as a bright example", the participants of the meeting stated.