Turkey launched a new warship for the Ukrainian Navy, marking a significant boost to Ukraine's maritime defense capabilities.
An Effert to Enhance Naval Strength
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umierov, who was present at the ceremony, highlighted the strategic importance of the new vessel for securing Ukraine's maritime borders, according to portalobronny.
The newly launched corvette, named "Hetman Ivan Vyhovsky," is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's naval strength. This event follows the commissioning of the "Hetman Ivan Mazepa," which was launched in October 2022. T
he ceremony was attended by both Umierov and Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, underscoring the importance of the occasion.
Ratified a Free Trade Agreement
During his visit to Ankara, Umierov also met with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler to discuss bilateral defense cooperation and regional security in the Black Sea. Umierov expressed gratitude for Turkey's support in the construction of the new ships, emphasizing their role in bolstering Ukraine's naval defense.
In addition to the naval collaboration, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has ratified a free trade agreement with Ukraine, signed in early 2022. Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat announced that trade between Turkey and Ukraine reached $7.3 billion in 2023.
The trade primarily involves iron and steel, machinery, energy, automotive products, and grain.
