Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, paid an official visit to Kiev on 10 November 2014, on the occasion of the third meeting of the Joint Strategic Planning Group (JSPG), which is a subcommittee of Turkey-Ukraine High Level Strategic Council (HLSC).

During the meeting co-chaired by Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu and his Ukraininan counterpart Mr. Pavlo Klimkin, our bilateral relations in all their aspects were reviewed and new opportunities for cooperation were discussed. Within the scope of the meeting, they also exchanged views comprehensively on regional and international issues.

At the joint press conference held following the meeting, Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that Turkey welcomes the parliamentary elections in Ukraine and that these elections were regarded as a clear indication of the democratic maturity of Ukraine. Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu said that the support given by Ukrainian public and Kyiv Administration to European Union and reform processes were demonstrated, thanks to the elections.

Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that alongside bilateral relations they discussed the condition of Crimea and the Crimean Tatars and said “The condition of Crimena Tatars is of particular concern to Turkey. Unfortunately today Crimean Tatars are held under pressure by the de facto administration.” Indicating that Turkey supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine including Crimea, he said “Turkey does not recognize illegal annexation of Crimea and will continue to do so in the future”.

Emphasizing that the relations between the two countries are at the strategic level and future-oriented, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Klimkin thanked Foreign Minister Çavuşoğlu for Turkey’s support to the Peace Plan of President Poroshenko.