Ukraine and Turkey agreed on 9 March to significantly expand cooperation on international combined container transportation between the two countries. This is stated in a joint declaration at the end of the fifth meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council in Ankara, which was chaired by the presidents of the two countries. The text of the declaration is available on the website of President of Ukraine.

In addition, the declaration states that Ukraine and Turkey should complete the negotiations on establishment of a bilateral free trade area in 2016. In addition, the two sides agreed to hold talks on renewal of their agreement on mutual protection of investments and their agreement on avoidance of double taxation and to ensure that these documents are signed in the near future.

The declaration also states that the two countries will implement joint measures to broaden their cooperation on supply of natural gas, including through the use of Ukraine’s gas transport infrastructure, as well as consider the possibility of joint attraction of investments in projects for gas supplies from the Caspian basin to Europe.

In addition, Ukraine and Turkey intend to will develop a plan for implementation of joint high-tech projects in the space, aircraft manufacturing, and defense industries.