Speaking at a press conference following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Petro Poroshenko in Istanbul, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the two countries are determined to elevate their strategic relations to a higher level. Erdogan noted that he and Poroshenko agreed to map out the details of a treaty on free trade by the end of this year, stressing the trade volume would reach 10 billion USD. He said that Turkey has been backing Ukraine in international politics.

Poroshenko said he hopes Ukraine and Turkey will sign the free trade agreement as soon as possible, adding both countries are aiming at expanding not only trade volume but also mutual investments.

The Ukrainian leader was in Istanbul for the high-level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting with Turkey.