At the Antalya Diplomatic Forum Ukraine’s foreign minister suggested closer cooperation with Turkey to counter Russian naval dominance and strengthen regional balance.
Turkey occupies a special place in Ukraine’s diplomacy as a strategic partner and an important neighbor across the sea. It is with Turkey that Ukraine has a chance to strengthen its position and counter the dominance of the Russian naval fleet in the region.
During participation in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga expressed the following position in an interview:
“Undoubtedly, Turkey occupies a special place in our diplomatic relations, a special place as Ukraine’s strategic partner, as a neighbor across the sea. Because we share common challenges in the Black Sea. I believe that only with Turkey can Ukraine balance the dominance of the Russian naval fleet.”
– Andriy Sibiga
Balance of Power in the Black Sea and Turkey’s Role
The minister noted that Turkey is a member of NATO and has one of the strongest armies in the world, and Ukraine is today also demonstrating notable defensive potential. Such circumstances form a solid basis for deepening strategic cooperation between the two countries.
“And today Ukraine also has one of the strongest armies not only in Europe. All of this provides a foundation for truly close cooperation”
– Andriy Sibiga
According to the minister, Ukraine and Turkey are viewed as complementary partners rather than rivals, with active formats of cooperation, including within the trilateral Ukraine–Turkey–Syria dialogue.
In the context of the forum, efforts to enhance Ukraine’s international standing and to attract the attention of other countries to the region’s opportunities as a reliable partner with development potential were also emphasized.
In summary: deepening closer integration with Turkey strengthens Ukraine’s position in the region and on the world stage, and underscores the strategic value of the partnership with our sea neighbors.