19.06.2003 # 28
 
 

Kuchma And Turkey's President Sezer Discuss Cooperation In Black Sea Region
 

President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma and Turkey's President Ahmet Necdet Sezer discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the Black Sea region. Sezer announced this at a joint press conference with Kuchma after talks in Kyiv. Sezer said that he and Kuchma concluded during the talks that it was necessary to strengthen Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation as well as multilateral cooperation in the Black Sea region. Sezer also called for more active use of the advantages offered by the countries' geographical locations near the Black Sea, particularly in transportation of energy resources and trade. Kuchma and Sezer also discussed security in the Black Sea region and Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation on regional security as well as in fighting terrorism. Sezer arrived in Ukraine on Wednesday for meetings with Ukrainian leaders. During his visit, Sezer intends to outline the reference points for Ukrainian-Turkish bilateral relations and adopt a joint declaration with Kuchma. During a visit to Ukraine in May, Turkey's National Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul held talks with Kuchma on Ukraine's strive for membership of NATO and Ukrainian-Turkish bilateral cooperation.

Turkey Supports Ukraine's European Integration Drive

Turkey says it supports Ukraine's drive to become a member of NATO. The Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer stated this at a joint news conference with President of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma at the end of their talks. "Turkey considers that with time membership in NATO will become a reality for Ukraine and it supports the efforts of Ukraine geared towards this," Sezer said.