Given the demanding international schedule of Burak Pehlivan, Chairman of the Turkish-Ukrainian Business Association, who frequently travels worldwide on business, our meeting at his Kyiv office was arranged well in advance.
The central focus of our discussion was the practical implementation of the Law of Ukraine ratifying the Free Trade Agreement between Ukraine and the Republic of Türkiye, signed by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on 31 July 2026. This landmark agreement is expected to create new opportunities for Ukrainian-Turkish economic cooperation by gradually eliminating or reducing customs duties, expanding market access for goods and services, and significantly boosting bilateral trade.
While enjoying the aroma of traditional Turkish tea served in the iconic ince belli ("slim-waisted") glasses, we exchanged presentations of our organisations, shared our professional experience, and discussed future plans. During this open and engaging conversation, it became clear that there is considerable potential for developing a mutually beneficial partnership between the Turkish-Ukrainian Business Association and Kyiv Diplomatic Magazine, as well as for implementing joint international initiatives.
Our first dialogue demonstrated a shared commitment to strengthening Ukrainian–Turkish cooperation not only in the economic sphere, but also in public diplomacy, international communication and intercultural dialogue. Such meetings often become the starting point for successful long-term partnerships.
It soon became evident that there is considerable potential for developing a mutually beneficial partnership between the Turkish-Ukrainian Business Association and Kyiv Diplomatic Magazine, opening the door to future joint international projects.
In the photo:
Burak Pehlivan — Chairman of the Turkish-Ukrainian Business Association;
Oleksandr Kondratenko — Assistant to a Member of the Parliament of Ukraine, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Kyiv Diplomatic Magazine.